Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. Will Likely Miss Entire ALCS

Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will likely miss the entire ALCS with a strained forearm, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Bob normally makes laughably inaccurate reports, but considering this one is injury related, we can assume it’s true.

Talk about a break for the Boston Red Sox.

Houston #Astros ace Lance McCullers is likely out for the #ALCS with strained forearm, but could possibly return for the World Series if the Astros advance.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 14, 2021

McCullers has thrown 10.2 innings over the course of his two starts this postseason with a minuscule ERA of 0.84. ERA isn’t everything, however you don’t give up one run in over a full game of innings and call that anything other than dominant.

Right now, the Houston Astros will likely rely on left-hander Framber Valdez to throw in Game 1 of the ALCS. Other than Nathan Eovaldi, Boston doesn’t have much rotational dominance either, so it’s likely to be a slugfest. Comparing Astros’ bats to Boston’s? Houston wins that battle.

It’ll be good for baseball fans who have no horse in this race because they can expect to see more offense action, but it always sucks when injuries become this much of a factor in the outcome. The report claims he can be back, should Houston advance to the Winter Classic — and after watching Houston make easy work of the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series, don’t be shocked if the Houston Astros flex their muscles one more time and skate by Boston.

Still a scary group that’s proven they can deal with any departure. Maybe even Lance McCullers Jr.

Lance McCullers, Wicked 83mph Knuckle Curve. 🤢

3,029 RPMs pic.twitter.com/u31ywldwCH

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 7, 2021