Justin Verlander sat out almost two months this summer because of a neck injury. After his latest tough start Friday night in Houston's 9-7 win over the Angels, the 41-year-old right-hander said he should have taken more time to recover.

Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander bent his head, smacked the ball back in his glove as he walked back to the mound. Astros manager Joe Espada met him there, letting him know he would not face another batter.

Justin Verlander, who has struggled since coming off the injured list last month, was rocked for six runs Friday night and said he "came back from the neck injury a little fast"

The significance of the moment didn’t appear to be lost on Justin Verlander, who patted his chest to acknowledge the Minute Maid Park crowd and pointed towards the sky before disappearing into the home dugout perhaps for the final time.