Lance McCullers Jr. was scratched from Tuesday's start against the Twins with shoulder inflammation.
AI Summary
Lance McCullers Jr. was scratched from Tuesday's start against the Twins due to shoulder inflammation. The Astros pitcher has been dealing with the shoulder issue for multiple starts but did not recover as expected. He will return to Houston for further evaluation and testing, with an injured list placement appearing likely. Jason Alexander will start the bullpen game instead.
Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters McCullers has been pitching through the shoulder issue for a few starts but didn't bounce back as hoped this week following his latest outing. He'll return to Houston to undergo further evaluation and testing to determine the severity of the issue and his next steps. It certainly sounds like he's headed to the injured list. It'll be Jason Alexander taking the ball to open a bullpen game on Tuesday against the Twins.