Overview

• Justin Verlander, suffering from shoulder inflammation, is scheduled for a rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.
• The Astros' ace's return could influence the New York Mets' financial obligations due to terms from a previous trade.
• Verlander's 2025 salary option with the Astros vests if he pitches 140 innings this year, impacting the Mets financially.
• The Mets are responsible for $25 million of Verlander's salary in 2024 and half of his $35 million salary in 2025 if his option vests.
• Verlander's performance and health this season are pivotal, following a 2023 season where he pitched 162 1/3 innings with a 3.22 ERA.