Lance McCullers was brilliant across two starts against the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS. He's a big reason why the Houston Astros punched their ticket to the ALCS to face off against the Boston Red Sox. However, after being pulled early from his last start against the White Sox, McCullers might not be available for Houston moving forward, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Heard Lance McCullers had an MRI and word is that he should be fine in the long run. No official word on the next few weeks however.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 14, 2021
McCullers is dealing with some sort of arm issue which is why Dusty Baker yanked him early against the White Sox. The Astros went on to win Game 4 by a score of 10-1 to clinch the series.
Article Continues BelowIf the ace for the Astros can't go in the ALCS, everyone moves up a notch for Houston. That would mean Framber Valdez would be at the top of the rotation followed by Luis Garcia. Then the Astros would have to decide between Jake Odorizzi and Jose Urquidy as the No. 3 starter. Perhaps going with a bullpen game and starting Kendall Graveman could be an option as well. Zach Grienke also pitched in relief briefly against the White Sox and could be elevated to a larger role.
Even though they have plenty of options to go through if McCullers can't give it a run, Houston would figure to be in a lot of trouble facing that Red Sox lineup if McCullers is out.
It should be a wildly entertaining series and we will likely see plenty of runs scored.