(MIAMI) The New York Mets placed veteran right-hander Justin Verlander on the injured reserve Thursday with a sore back muscle.

Hours into the team’s first game, against the Miami Marlins, the Mets clarified that Verlander suffered a minor teres major muscle strain.

Verlander will continue throwing with moderate intensity before undergoing further examinations in a week.

The team will provide an update on Verlander’s condition following these tests.

The 40-year-old Verlander signed a two-year contract worth US$86.67 million during the offseason and has been shooting well during training camp.

In 2022, he had one of the best seasons of his career and helped the Houston Astros win the World Series, thanks to his 18-4 record and 1.75 ERA.

He was also awarded the Cy Young trophy for the third time in his career at the end of the season.