Verlander to be out for at least two weeks

Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander has a strained right forearm and will be sidelined for at least two weeks.

Astros manager Dusty Baker announced the injury after Houston’s 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, saying Verlander would be evaluated after two weeks.

In a tweet Sunday night, Verlander denied a report that the injury would end his season. Baker also denied the report.

Verlander, 37, had groin surgery in March but recovered in time to pitch for the Astros on opening day Friday.

Baker said Verlander felt “tenderness” in his arm during his start, in which he pitched six innings and got the win. He had an MRI exam Saturday and now will miss at least roughly a third of this shortened 60-game regular season.

The displaced Toronto Blue Jays won’t start playing in Buffalo, N.Y., until Aug. 11. The team will play its first scheduled homestand — Wednesday through Sunday — in Washington and Philadelphia instead. The team said infrastructure modifications are needed at Sahlen Field in Buffalo.

Boston Red Sox left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, 27, said he is awaiting results of additional testing after doctors discovered an issue with his heart that they believe is a result of his recent bout with COVID-19 . ... President Trump won’t be throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 15, as he tweeted that he won’t be able to make the trip because of his “strong focus” on the coronavirus and the economy.