Justin Verlander will make his second minor league rehab start Thursday night as he aims to return to the Houston Astros’ rotation.
The 41-year-old right-hander pitched three innings for Triple-A Sugar Land in his first outing on Saturday night. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is coming back from neck stiffness that has kept him out for two months.
Astros manager Joe Espada mentioned before Tuesday night’s game at Tampa Bay that he wasn’t sure if this would be Verlander’s final rehab game, but he didn’t rule it out.
“We’re going to talk to JV, but definitely be close to coming back and pitching for us,” Espada said.
Verlander is expected to throw 70 to 75 pitches.
Verlander last pitched for the Astros on June 9. He also missed the start of the season with right shoulder inflammation before going 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts. He made his season debut on April 19.
