Astros pull Justin Verlander from second spring start with sore triceps

Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander was pulled from his spring training start against the New York Mets after two innings Sunday because of triceps soreness, the team said.

Verlander had been scheduled to pitch four innings but felt discomfort during the second inning and was sent for testing.

"We don't know if he is hurt," manager Dusty Baker told reporters. "Like I said, it's precautionary. I was surprised his velocity was down a tick from the last time, but you know Verlander can dial it up when he gets ready. We didn't see anything. I was quite surprised when [pitching coach Brent Strom] came over and told me he had to come out of the game."

The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner faced nine batters, giving up three singles and striking out one.

Verlander, 37, has been dealing with groin tightness for much of spring training, but he said he thought that issue was behind him after making his spring debut Tuesday in 2 innings against the Cardinals.