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Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Verlander's (neck) progress has been "slower than we expected," Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Advice: Verlander was scratched of his most recently scheduled start this past weekend against the Tigers because of neck discomfort. The club had been hoping he would be ready to start Thursday versus the White Sox, and while Espada didn't seem to officially rule Verlander out for the series finale in Chicago, he now appears likely to be pushed back again. Houston could have Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco both move up a day to start on Thursday and Friday, respectively, which would keep both pitchers on their typical four days' rest. The arrangement would also give Verlander a couple extra days to heal up if the team thinks he could take the ball Saturday versus the Orioles. A stint on the injured list for Verlander also can't be ruled out. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 11:03 am

Pivetta (4-4) allowed three runs on nine hits and a walk over seven innings Monday, striking out four and earning a win over Toronto.

Advice: Pivetta gave up one run through five frames before allowing solo homers to Justin Turner and Davis Schneider in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Pivetta is 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA in three starts this month after posting a disappointing 5.55 ERA in May. For the season, he owns a 3.88 ERA alongside a 59:14 K:BB through 10 starts. Pivetta's next start is projected to be in Cincinnati. Rotowire.com Monday, 7:39 pm

Ober (6-4) allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over 6.1 innings to earn the win over the Athletics in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader.

Advice: Ober had his start pushed back a day after a rainout Saturday. This was his first quality start since May 12 and the first time he's completed six innings in that span. The right-hander has had a mediocre season so far with a 4.81 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 73:20 K:BB over 73 innings through 14 starts. Ober is projected to make his next start in a rematch versus the Athletics in Oakland. Rotowire.com Jun 16, 8:29 pm

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that Verlander (neck) could pitch either Wednesday or Thursday against the White Sox in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Advice: Manager Joe Espada suggested earlier in the day that Verlander could rejoin the rotation for the Chicago series, and Brown's comments help further narrow down a potential return date for the 41-year-old righty. Verlander was unable to make his scheduled start Saturday versus the Tigers after experiencing neck discomfort during his bullpen session Wednesday, prompting the Astros to push both Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco ahead in the pitching schedule. The extra rest appears to have done Verlander some good, as he was able to play catch prior to Sunday's series finale with Detroit. He'll likely try to throw another bullpen session Monday or Tuesday before the Astros lock him for a start against the White Sox. Rotowire.com Jun 16, 5:18 pm

Montgomery (5-4) picked up the win Sunday against the White Sox, allowing one unearned run on four hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out seven.

Advice: Sunday's start was Montgomery's best as a Diamondback, as he tied his season high in strikeouts while yielding no earned runs for the first time this year. The lone run scored while Montgomery was on the mound came in the third inning, when Danny Mendick came around to score after reaching on a throwing error by Montgomery. Montgomery has had a rollercoaster 2024 season, surrendering three or fewer runs in seven of his 11 appearances but giving up six or more runs three times. Overall, the 31-year-old owns a 6.00 ERA with a 39:21 K:BB across 57.0 innings. He's on track to face the Phillies next weekend. Rotowire.com Jun 16, 4:43 pm