HOUSTON (AP) – Houston Astros ace Lance McCullers Jr. was banned from the roster for the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox due to a pulled muscle in his arm.
The injury is a blow to a team seeking to advance to what would be its second World Series in three seasons.
McCullers shone in Game 1 of the division series, a win over the Chicago White Sox, shutting out opponents until the seventh inning. However, the right-hander left the fourth game after four episodes, due to a stiff forearm problem, according to the club.
“He can’t pitch right now,” acknowledged manager Dusty Baker.
General manager James Click said Friday that McCullers is straining the pronator flexor muscle in his right arm.
Baker added that there is no structural damage, but also no certainty as to whether the pitcher would be available for the World Series should the Astros advance.
“Someone else has to take the plunge,” Baker said. “No one is going to feel pity for us. We must find a way to win. “