SEATTLE — With the lead in the American League West more than a dozen games, the Houston Astros had the luxury of being cautious.
So when right-hander Lance McCullers Jr., the league’s pitcher of the month for May, felt discomfort in his lower back a couple of weeks ago, the Astros didn’t hesitate to put him on the 10-day disabled list.
“If I had to miss time, for something totally unrelated to my arm, it might as well be right now,” said McCullers, who is scheduled to be activated from the disabled list Saturday to start against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.