Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia are about to take the next step in their rehab

Astros pitchers Justin Verlander and Luis Garcia are each expected to take a step forward when they return from injury next week.

Verlander, sidelined by a neck injury, threw about 50 pitches in the bullpen Saturday. He will pitch from the mound at Minute Maid Park in his next session, manager Joe Espada said, with batters standing to follow pitches but not to swing.

Garcia will face hitters in a live workout in his next session, Espada said, likely Tuesday or Wednesday. Garcia is back to full fitness after his return from Tommy John surgery was cut short following a second minor league rehab start on July 4.

The Astros had expressed hope that Garcia would return as a starter to help shore up a rotation plagued by injuries this season. But general manager Dana Brown left a potential role for Garcia open when asked Friday how the right-hander could help the Astros late in the season.

“I think he’ll be able to contribute in some capacity,” Brown said. “It just depends on the schedule. … He’s finishing up spring training right now. If we can get him here to start games, that would be great. But if we can get him here to give us some relief innings, that would be great, too. But at some point, we’re hoping he can come here and help us out.”