Astros starter Justin Verlander to throw BP session next week

WEST PALM BEACH -- Ailing Astros starter Justin Verlander will throw a live BP session in Houston on Monday or Tuesday, manager Joe Espada said on Friday.

If all goes well there, he's likely to throw once more before going out on a rehab assignment. Verlander, 41, has been sidelined all spring with shoulder inflammation which began during the offseason. He reported no ill-effects after his latest throwing session on Wednesday, so he'll break camp with the team and accompany them back to Houston to continue his recovery.

"If things go well, maybe another live before going on a rehab assignment," Espada said. "Just depending on where JV is next live BP."

Verlander was asked if his velocity was where he wanted it after his last time on the mound.

"Yeah it was," he said. "About what I expected."

The Astros are dealing with several pitching injuries, including a recent one to righty Jose Urquidy, but are hopeful to have Verlander back not long after the start of the regular season.

Lefty Framber Valdez was forced to throw his final prep before Opening Day in a simulated game situation on Friday as the Astros contest that night against the Nationals was rained out. He threw 82 pitches split between the field and the bullpen because of the weather.

Espada also announced on Friday that Hunter Brown will start Game 3 of the regular season against the Yankees. He'll follow Valdez and Christian Javier in the rotation.