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The Houston Astros had Dallas Keuchel scheduled to start on Wednesday — no longer. The Astros have scratched Keuchel just before his strat and will send out recently called up Dayan Diaz in his place, reports Astros sideline reporter Julia Morales.
Dallas Keuchel has been scratched. Diaz making his first career start in minutes.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) June 8, 2017
Keuchel misses his second start during the 2017 season after being placed on the disabled list on May 22 with a pinched nerve. No word yet on what the source of the injury that caused Keuchel to be skipped.
It’s a tremendous loss for the Astros even if it's for one start. Keuchel currently leads the league in win-loss record (9-0) and ERA (1.67) through 11 starts. He has 69 strikeouts and 18 walks through 75 2/3 innings -- including a 232 ERA+ and a 0.872 WHIP.
Diaz, 28, was 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 17 appearances with Triple-A Fresno this season. He has struck out 23 and walked seven over 23 1⁄3 innings. Diaz pitched for team Columbia during the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Diaz was first called up on May 14 and appeared in one game against the Yankees. He allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits over 2⁄3 of an inning. He did strike out and walked none while not allowing a home run.
UPDATE
Keuchel is out with an illness.
Keuchel scratched due to illness.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) June 8, 2017