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Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Verlander (neck) hasn't resumed playing catch and won't accompany the team to New York for this weekend's three-game series versus the Mets, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Advice: Verlander isn't eligible to return from the 15-day injured list until Monday, but with the Astros continuing their trip in Toronto and then Minnesota next week, the right-hander's absence for the start of the road swing wouldn't seem to inspire much optimism about his chances of being ready to make a start against the Blue Jays, and perhaps even the Twins. The Astros will likely wait and see if Verlander is able to take any meaningful steps forward in his recovery from the neck issue over the next few days while he's back in Houston before determining his status for the Toronto series. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:29 am

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters Tuesday that Justin Verlander (neck) is still making slower progress than anticipated.

Advice: Espada reiterated that this issue isn’t a shoulder, elbow or arm problem; but strictly issues with neck stiffness. The 41-year-old has been on the injured list since the middle of June with the issue, and at this point, it seems unlikely that we see Verlander back until the middle of July — possibly after the All-Star break. That’s just speculation, however, and there’s no concrete timetable for Verlander rejoining the rotation. Rotoworld Tuesday, 10:49 am

Cole Ragans allowed one run in six innings and got the win in the Royals’ 4-1 victory over the Marlins on Monday.

Advice: Ragans gave up four hits, walked three and struck out 11. The win was his fifth of the season and first since May 22nd against the Tigers. Ragans is third in all of baseball with 120 strikeouts on the season trailing only Tyler Glasnow and Garrett Crochet. He lowered his ERA to 3.03 on the year. The 26-year-old left-hander is set to face the Guardians at home this weekend.

Rotoworld Monday, 7:38 pm

Chris Bassitt allowed two runs in seven innings and got a no-decision against the Red Sox on Monday.



Advice: Bassitt gave up five hits, walked one and struck out two. He was in line for his seventh win of the season before the Toronto bullpen blew a four-run lead in the eighth inning. Bassitt allowed a two-run home run to Rafael Devers, but was otherwise very successful keeping the Boston offense at bay. He’s completed at least seven innings in two of his last four starts and completed at least six innings in three of his last four starts. Bassitt’s ERA is now 3.45 on the season. The 35-year-old right-hander is set to face the Yankees at home this weekend.

Rotoworld Monday, 6:52 pm

Snell (groin) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday and make another rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Advice: Snell showed signs of rust during his first rehab appearance with Sacramento on Sunday, and as expected, he'll make at least one more start in the minors before the club considers activating him from the 15-day injured list. The southpaw fired 51 pitches Sunday and will continue to build toward a full workload in his upcoming appearance as he makes his way back from a left groin strain. Rotowire.com Monday, 4:10 pm