(Miami) The New York Mets placed veteran right-hander Justin Verlander on injured reserve Thursday with a sore back muscle.
Hours after the team’s first game against the Miami Marlins, the Mets said Verlander suffered a minor muscle strain in the round major.
Verlander will continue to play at moderate intensity before undergoing further tests in a week’s time.
The team will provide an update on Verlander’s condition following these tests.
Verlander, 40, signed a two-year, $86.67 million contract during the offseason and has been shooting well in training camp.
In 2022, he had one of the best seasons of his career and helped the Houston Astros win the World Series thanks to his 18-4 record and 1.75 ERA.
He was also awarded the Cy Young Trophy for the third time in his career at the end of the season.