Verlander takes next step in rehab from neck injury

HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Justin Verlander took a step towards rejoining the Astros rotation by throwing a 25-pitch bullpen on Sunday morning, his first since landing on the IL with neck discomfort on June 16.

"He threw all his pitches," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "He looked really good, so see how he feels tomorrow."

If Verlander feels good Monday, Espada said he would throw another bullpen in the next couple of days, though it's still too early to know when he'll be able to go out on a rehab assignment.

After missing the start of the season due to shoulder inflammation, Verlander is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts. He is 83 innings shy of having his $35 million option vest for the 2025 season.