Lance McCullers Jr. likely done for the season

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Astros ace Lance McCullers Jr. still not throwing, likely done for the season

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 10/21/21

The Houston Astros are well-positioned to return to the World Series. However, if they get there, they’ll likely have to take care of business without their ace.

Lance McCullers Jr., who has not pitched in the ALCS due to forearm discomfort, is still not throwing, according to manager Dusty Baker. That likely means he won’t be ready for the World Series if the Astros advance.

There is no change, #Astros manager Dusty Baker says, leaving ace Lance McCullers all but officially done for the season.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 21, 2021

With the team needing one win from two home games to make the World Series, the Astros are favored to get there. Losing McCullers for that series would definitely be a big blow. The 28-year-old led Houston pitchers in pretty much every category, pacing the staff with a 3.16 ERA and 185 strikeouts.

Houston starters have had their share of struggles in the ALCS, but they turned it around in Games 4 and 5. The likes of Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia are going to have to step up, both to close out the ALCS and potentially in the World Series.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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