Astros option Lance McCullers, recall Dan Straily; set pitching rotation for Athletics series

Lance McCullers struggle mightily on Monday in Arlington, allowing six runs on seven hits over a 1/3 of an inning before he was pulled. The Astros announced like Vincent Velasquez before him, Houston will send McCullers to the minors today for rest. In his place, Dan Straily will start for the Astros on Tuesday.

Following tonight's game, the #Astros recalled Dan Straily who will start tomorrow at Rangers. Lance McCullers optioned.

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 4, 2015

Hinch said the move will give McCullers a break; he may not throw while in the minors. #Astros

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 4, 2015

McCullers would have probably joined Velasquez sooner at getting rest, but the Astros young right-hander has been a key piece in the Astros success - he was 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA in four starts during July after posting a 2.11 ERA in June.

Dan Straily comes into the Astros rotation, having had consistent success with Triple A Fresno. In July, he had a 3.14 ERA in three starts. He pitched six innings against Reno on July 31, allowing three runs on seven hits.

McCullers will be in the minors at least 10 days, reports Brian McTaggart.

McCullers going to work with Brocail at Corpus. Has to stay down at least 10 days, could be two weeks Hinch said.

— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) August 4, 2015

Today, the Astros announced their pitching rotation for their upcoming series with the Athletics. Mike Fiers who had to be used in Monday's game will get his first career start as an Astro on Sunday. Scott Feldman will go Thursday, Dallas Keuchel on Friday, and Collin McHugh Sunday.

#Astros manager A.J. Hinch announced the pitching rotation at Oak: Feldman (Thurs), Keuchel (Fri), McHugh (Sat), Fiers (Sun).

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 4, 2015