Houston Astros' ace pitcher Justin Verlander was pulled from his scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday due to neck discomfort. Manager Joe Espada revealed that Verlander had been dealing with the discomfort for the past two weeks as he tried to pitch through it.

Recognizing the need to address the issue, the team decided to give Verlander a break and skip a start in order to get to the bottom of the problem. Verlander himself acknowledged that although the discomfort didn't bother him while he was on the mound, it seemed like more than just a coincidence that his mechanics were affected.

The Astros remain optimistic that the 41-year-old right-hander won't need to be placed on the injured list. Verlander is currently listed as day to day, providing hope that his absence from the lineup will be temporary.

Verlander expressed his understanding of the situation, stating that missing a start was not ideal but being considered day to day was a positive sign. He displayed trust in the team's trainers and medical staff and remained hopeful about his prognosis.

Verlander mentioned that he cut short his bullpen session on Wednesday due to the neck issue, while still holding onto the hope that he would be fit to start on Saturday. However, the discomfort flared up during the bullpen, prompting him to exercise caution and prioritize his long-term health.

So far this season, Verlander has recorded a 3-2 win-loss record with a 3.95 ERA in 10 starts. His absence from the rotation presents an opportunity for Spencer Arrighetti, who was initially slated to start on Sunday, to take his place on Saturday. The Astros have yet to announce a replacement for Arrighetti in the series finale.

As Verlander continues to receive treatment and rest, the Astros will closely monitor his progress, aiming for a speedy recovery and his return to their dominant pitching rotation.