Justin Verlander Scratched from Astros Start with Neck Injury; Hopes to Avoid IL

The Houston Astros scratched starter Justin Verlander ahead of Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers because of a neck injury.

Verlander told reporters he's been dealing with pain for the last couple of weeks but does not anticipate landing on the injured list.

The 41-year-old is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.21 WHIP this season. He's given up eight earned runs over his last 10 innings pitched while allowing 16 baserunners. The three-time Cy Young winner had not publicly mentioned issues with his neck before Saturday, but it's clear something was causing a downtick in performance.

"When I was out there, I felt like it wasn't really bothering me," Verlander said. "But when I go home and sit down and really think about it, I think it's too much of a coincidence and my mechanics were really thrown off."

Verlander gave up two or fewer runs in six of his first eight starts this season before struggling to start June.

Spencer Arrighetti will start in Verlander's place. The rookie righty is 3-5 with a 5.33 ERA and 1.62 WHIP this season.

Houston currently sits a disappointing 32-38 heading into Saturday's game against Detroit.