Justin Verlander is scheduled to make his first rehabilitation start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.

Verlander, 41, who opened the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right shoulder, will throw a bullpen session Thursday in Houston before making his start this weekend.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday he expects this to be the first of two minor league starts Verlander will make before he comes off the injured list.

Verlander went 13-8 with a 3.22 ERA in 27 starts for the New York Mets and Astros last season.