Astros manager Joe Espada said in an interview on SportsTalk 790 in Houston on Tuesday that Verlander's (neck) progress has been "slower than we expected," Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Advice: Verlander had to be scratched from his last scheduled start 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 that possibility out Tuesday, it appears unlikely that Verlander will be ready. Houston could have Spencer Arrighetti and Ronel Blanco each move up a day to start on Thursday and Friday, respectively, which would be regular rest for both hurlers. That would give Verlander a couple extra days 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.
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