ARLINGTON -- Astros ace right-hander Justin Verlander likely won't pitch in the All-Star Game presented by MasterCard because he's currently scheduled to start for the Astros on July 15. Pitchers who start on the Sunday prior to the All-Star Game, which is July 17, aren't eligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic.
The Astros have shuffled their rotation for this week to give Lance McCullers and Charlie Morton some additional rest. Gerrit Cole will start Wednesday against the Rangers instead of McCullers, with Verlander on Thursday in the series opener against the White Sox in Houston. McCullers will throw Friday and Morton on Saturday.
"The reason behind that is giving Lance a little bit of extra rest, giving Charlie one day extra rest and keeping Cole and Verlander on their normal rest," Hinch said.
Hinch, who will manage the American League in the All-Star Game, said he notified Major League Baseball that Verlander will be starting on July 15. Hinch said eligibility for the All-Star Game wasn't a factor in the Astros' shuffling the rotation.