HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Astros pitcher Justin Verlander left his start against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday after throwing 60 pitches in three scoreless innings due to right calf discomfort.
"He felt it when he covered first base," Astros manager Dusty Baker said.
Baker didn't mention a specific play, but the only time Verlander had to cover first base was when Cedric Mullins was caught in a run down to the end the third inning. The Astros pitcher was moving towards third base, and quickly changed direction to help out at first base.
"We were glad it wasn't anything to do with his elbow or arm," Baker said.
The Astros did not make Verlander available to the media after the game. A team spokesman said he was sent home before it ended. Baker said he will undergo an MRI on Monday.
Verlander allowed three hits and walked one while striking out six, 39 of his 60 pitches were thrown for a strike. The first two batters he faced reached base in the first and third innings, but he was able to work out of trouble each time, dropping his ERA to 1.84 on the season.
Pitching on four days rest for the first time since June 29, Verlander's average fastball velocity was 94.8 MPH, down slightly from his season average of 95 MPH.