Justin Verlander

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Max Scherzer struck out a season-high nine to take over 10th place on the career list, Marcus Semien homered and the Texas Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Thursday. Scherzer pushed his career total to 3,400 after first passing former teammate and fellow three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander with his third strikeout of...

Max Scherzer took over 10th place on the career strikeout list, and the most among active pitchers, from Justin Verlander when the Rangers right-hander recorded his 3,394th against the White Sox.

Astros' manager Joe Espada told reporters that the next step for the 41-year-old right-hander will be to throw another bullpen session early next week. If all goes well there, it seems like Verlander could then be cleared to face live hitters. It remains to be seen whether or not he'll require a minor league rehab start (most likely) before rejoining the Astros' rotation.

Verlander threw 40 pitches during a bullpen session Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Houston's Justin Verlander is expected to throw another bullpen session as he tries to work his way back from neck discomfort.