Justin Verlander's health has higher stakes for Astros than impact on 2024 rotation

Justin Verlander is not expecting a stint on the injured list after being pulled from his scheduled start over the weekend, but there is still some cause for concern .

And that's whether he pitches or not. See, without Verlander, the Astros are down one more starting pitcher who can give them quality innings and outings. But with him, they have an aging, expensive legend on a team likely headed nowhere this season with serious questions heading into 2025.

There is a vesting option in the final year of Verlander's current contract, which guarantees him $35 million when he crosses the 140 innings pitched threshold this season. He's at 57 innings pitched after 10 starts.

Payne & Pendergast discuss Verlander being scratched over the weekend for neck discomfort, react to his explaining when it started, and how they're feeling about his maybe staying with the Astros if he pitches 140 innings.