MLB Player News

Sale allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.2 innings in Friday's loss to the Astros in Game 1 of the ALCS. He didn't factor into the decision.

Sale gave up a run in the bottom of the first inning Friday but held the Astros scoreless during the remainder of his outing. He's made two starts since the postseason began and has posted a 14.73 ERA and 3.00 WHIP in 3.2 innings. The southpaw tentatively lines up to make his next start at home in Game 5 on Wednesday, but he could be available sooner since he threw just 61 pitches in Game 1.

Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that McCullers (forearm) is dealing with a muscle strain and has no structural damage, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old has already been ruled out for the ALCS after exiting his Game 4 start versus Tampa Bay with the injury, but he's avoided any long-term concerns. It remains to be seen whether McCullers will be available for the World Series should the Astros defeat the Red Sox. Jake Odorizzi was left off the initial playoff roster but will join Houston for the ALCS in the wake of the injury.

Odorizzi has been included on the Astros' ALCS roster, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The absence of Lance McCullers (forearm) opened a roster spot for Odorizzi, who is a candidate to start Game 4 on Tuesday. The 31-year-old pitched twice against Boston in early June, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and four walks in eight total innings.

McCullers (forearm) was left off the Astros' roster for the ALCS against the Red Sox.

The move was an expected one, as reports emerged Thursday that McCullers wasn't going to be able to pitch in the series after leaving his start in Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox with forearm discomfort. While he isn't believed to be dealing with a long-term issue, it's no surprise that he'll miss at least a bit of time. Whether or not he'll have a chance to pitch in the World Series should the Astros win the AL pennant remains to be seen. Jake Odorizzi was added to the ALCS roster after being left off for the ALDS and could step into Houston's rotation in McCullers' absence.

Eovaldi will start Game 2 of the ALCS against the Astros on Saturday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Eovaldi will make his third start of the postseason after he recorded a 2.61 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in 10.1 innings across his first two outings. Chris Sale will take the mound for the series opener.

Sale will start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Astros on Friday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale struggled in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Rays and allowed five runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two in one inning. However, the southpaw will still take the mound to begin the ALCS, while Nate Eovaldi will start Game 2 on Saturday.

Garcia will start Game 2 of the ALCS against the Red Sox on Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Garcia will start on normal rest after he gave up five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three in 2.2 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS during his postseason debut. He'll attempt to right the ship at Minute Maid Park on Saturday.

Valdez will start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Red Sox on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Valdez settled for a no-decision in Game 2 of the ALDS against the White Sox on Friday when he allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out six in 4.1 innings. The southpaw will attempt to get back on track at home in the first game of the ALCS.

McCullers (forearm) is expected to miss the ALCS against the Red Sox, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

McCullers left his start in Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox with forearm discomfort. While an MRI revealed no long-term concerns, the injury is expected to prevent him from pitching for at least the immediate future. Whether or not he'd be in contention for the World Series should the Astros advance is not yet clear. In the meantime, Houston could turn to Jake Odorizzi, who was left off the ALDS roster, or potentially Zack Greinke, who may not be fully stretched out to start after missing time at the end of the regular season with a neck injury.

McCullers (forearm) recently underwent an MRI and isn't believed to be dealing with a long-term injury, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

McCullers exited Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox on Tuesday due to right forearm discomfort. Although the results of his MRI were relatively encouraging, it's not yet clear whether the 28-year-old will be able to pitch in the ALCS.