HOUSTON -- After Lance McCullers Jr. declared himself for the World Series, the Houston Astros will not have the services of right-hander Lance McCullers Jr.
McCullers, 28 years old, left Game 4 against the Chicago White Sox due to forearm tightness. He missed the ALCS against Boston Red Sox but was hopeful that he would return to the Fall Classic. McCullers gave himself a 1% chance but doctors advised him that he would need to wait 6-8 weeks before he could pick up a baseball. It took only three.
McCullers stated that he was ready for spring training, having finished a season of 13-5 and a 3.16 ERA.
After Jake Meyers injured his left shoulder during the first round, the club hasn’t decided if Meyers will be available. Rosters must be submitted by Tuesday morning for Game 1.
Houston will face the Atlanta Braves' left-hander Framber Vadez in the opener. Valdez, 27, has had the best start this postseason. He pitched eight innings and gave up one run against the Red Sox in Fenway Park's Game 5. Charlie Morton, a Brave right-hander, will oppose him.
