Astros’ Verlander to make first start in 2 months

The Houston Astros reinstated right-hander Justin Verlander from the 15-day injured list, in time for him to start Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Boston Red Sox in Houston.

Verlander had been sidelined since June 9 with neck soreness.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 AL MVP made four minor league starts on a rehab assignment, posting an 0-2 record and an 8.36 ERA. In 14 innings at Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land, he allowed 16 runs (13 earned) on 20 hits and four walks and struck out 17.

Verlander, 41, is 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts amid an injury-filled campaign. He started the year on the IL with right shoulder inflammation, which kept him out until April 19.

Verlander has amassed a 260-143 career record with a 3.25 ERA across 19 major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers (2005-17), New York Mets (2023) and Astros (2017-22, 2023-24).

In a corresponding move, the Astros optioned right-hander Seth Martinez to Sugar Land after their loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday. Martinez, 29, is 3-2 with a 2.92 ERA and one save in 41 appearances (49⅓ innings) with the Astros this season.