Dallas Keuchel will miss at least two starts

Reigning AL Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel will miss at least two starts due to a potential shoulder injury.

After winning the American League Cy Young in 2015, Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel’s future appeared bright. He has not been able to replicate his success from last season, as he currently has a 4.55 ERA in 168 innings with a 9-12 record. Keuchel will miss at least his next two starts and will undergo tests on his shoulder.

“Dallas flew back to Houston to get further evaluated,” Hinch said. “He’s been diagnosed with shoulder inflammation, which we knew. It just hasn’t resolved, and he hasn’t been able to play catch, so we’re going to shut him down for the time being. We’ll get back to Houston and evaluate what’s next for him.”

Despite his unimpressive numbers, Keuchel has been impressive as of late for the Astros. He has allowed three or less earned runs in 10 of his past 12 starts. Keuchel has also thrown at least six innings in 10 of his past 12 starts to lower his ERA from 5.92 to 4.55.

For the time being, the Astros will turn to Brad Peacock to take Keuchel’s spot in the rotation. Peacock has a career 4.67 ERA in 55 games, including 41 starts. This season, Peacock has a 3.86 ERA in five appearances with seven innings pitched. He has just one start in his past two seasons.

The Astros must find a way to win without Keuchel. They currently find themselves 2.5 games back from the second wild card spot entering tonight’s game against the Cleveland Indians. With Jose Altuve leading their lineup, anything is possible. But their rotation will have to step it up.

Last season’s surprise playoff team must surprise everyone again in order to make the playoffs. This year, they will have to do it without the reigning AL Cy Young winner.