Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander will be donating the paychecks he receives from the MLB during the coronavirus pandemic to charity.

According to reports, Verlander will receive $33,411 per week until the season starts following an agreement between MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association.

The 2020 campaign was scheduled to start on March 26 but has been suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 and is now not expected to get under way until at least May.

Verlander announced on social media that he and his wife Kate Upton will be donating the money they receive each week to a different charitable cause.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner said: "Recently the @mlb announced they will be continuing to send paychecks to players while the season is suspended.

"@kateupton and I have decided to donate those funds to a different organization each week so that we can support their efforts and highlight the great work they're doing during the COVID-19 crisis.

        View this post on Instagram                   Recently the @mlb announced they will be continuing to send paychecks to players while the season is suspended. @kateupton and I have decided to donate those funds to a different organization each week so that we can support their efforts and highlight the great work they’re doing during the COVID-19 crisis. Everyone around the world is affected by this virus, and we hope to contribute to the families and jobs affected, the healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines and the many others in need of basic necessities, medical supplies and support at home. As soon as the first paycheck is received we will be highlighting the first organization. We know everyone is impacted by this crisis, but for those who are able, we encourage you to stay home to help flatten the curve and look to those around you who need a helping hand. #covid19 #flattenthecurve A post shared by Justin Verlander (@justinverlander) on Apr 4, 2020 at 8:38am PDT

"Everyone around the world is affected by this virus, and we hope to contribute to the families and jobs affected, the healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines and the many others in need of basic necessities, medical supplies and support at home.

"As soon as the first paycheck is received we will be highlighting the first organization.

"We know everyone is impacted by this crisis, but for those who are able, we encourage you to stay home to help flatten the curve and look to those around you who need a helping hand."