Verlander to pitch Friday instead of Morton

In an effort to keep veteran right-hander Justin Verlander on regular rest as much as possible, the Astros are tweaking their rotation for the first time this season. Astros manager AJ Hinch said Wednesday that Verlander would start Friday’s series opener against the Rangers instead of Charlie Morton, who will be pushed back one day and start Saturday. Dallas Keuchel will start Sunday’s game.