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 former 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.