The Houston Astros unsurprisingly took RHP Joe Musgrove off the 10-Day disabled list to make the start against the Texas Rangers on Monday. But surprisingly, the corresponding move to get Musgrove on the 25-man roster was placing RHP Lance McCullers on 10-day disabled list retroactive to June 9.
Roster moves:
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 12, 2017
Joe Musgrove activated from 10-day DL
Lance McCullers Jr. placed on 10-day DL with lower back discomfort (retro to June 9)
The Astros’ five projected starting pitchers for opening day will have or are still on the disabled list. The move to replace Musgrove with McCullers means the Astros still have four starting pitchers currently on the DL.
Collin McHugh has been on the DL since the start of the season and has been slowly working his way back from “dead arm”. RHP Charlie Morton has been dealing with a right lat strain since May 28 and ace LHP Dallas Keuchel was recently passed back on the DL with lingering issues with a nerve in his neck.
McCullers was placed on the DL with lower back discomfort.
The Astros have had to throw together a patchwork of starters in place of the numerous injuries and without their veteran top option in Triple-A Brady Rodgers — who is lost for the season with Tommy John surgery. There is no word on who will start in McCullers place on Tuesday.
Musgrove will start tonight opposite Yu Darvish in game one against the Rangers.