LANCE MCCULLERS JR.

Michael Brantley’s grand slam was one of three homers in a 10-run sixth inning that propelled the Houston Astros to a 13-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Jose Altuve hit a leadoff home run and José Urquidy tied a career high with 10 strikeouts to lead the Houston Astros to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers.

Aledmys Díaz hit a grand slam, Jake Odorizzi threw five innings of one-hit ball and the Houston Astros beat the Detroit Tigers 5-0 for a four-game sweep and their seventh straight win.

We watched them rise, we watched them fall and we watched many of them leave Houston. However, some are ready to stay until their last breath, it seems.

The Astros return to the World Series for the third time in five years, but this time, they'll try to shake the phantom of a 2017 scandal. It won't be easy.

Lance McCullers won't pitch in the World Series for the Houston Astros because of his forearm strain.

Houston Astros ace starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. let the media know Monday he will not be available to pitch during the World Series.

The Astros will have homefield advantage, with games 1 and 2 at Minute Maid Park this week.

Framber Valdez will start for the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves.

Trailing 2-0 in the NL Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers have the Atlanta Braves right where they want them.

Houston's pitching staff will need to adjust quickly after allowing 25 runs and 32 hits to Boston in the first three games of the AL Championship Series, a barrage that made the loss of injured Lance McCullers Jr. seem acute. Kyle Schwarber hit Boston’s third grand slam in an 11-inning span, a drive off starter José Urquidy as part of a six-run second inning in Monday night's 12-3 rout that gave the Red Sox a 2-1 series lead. Boston hit four home runs, raising its total to nine off Astros pitching, which has a 7.96 ERA.

The Dodgers are ready to start ace Max Scherzer in Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against Atlanta, a day after manager Dave Roberts scratched the veteran right-hander to get him an extra day of rest.

Lance McCullers Jr. is hopeful for a World Series comeback should the Astros advance. But Houston’s ace is also realistic, still digesting the diagnosis of a flexor pronator muscle strain.

Houston starter Luis García left Game 2 of the AL Championship Series in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox with right knee discomfort.

Houston Astros ace Lance McCullers is looking for ways to help the team off the field while sidelined with an arm injury during the AL Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.

Dodgers ace Max Scherzer got the last three outs in the thrilling Game 5 of the NL Divsion Series and is now lined up to throw the first pitch for Los Angeles in the NL Championship Series.

The Astros released their finalized ALCS roster on Friday, and their ace, Lance McCullers Jr., is not listed.

The right-hander left Game 4 after four innings because of forearm tightness. No announcement has been made on the severity of his injury, so there is a possibility he could return if the Astros advance to the World Series.

Astros ace Lance McCullers Jr. has been left off the team’s roster for the AL Championship Series against Boston, a huge blow to a team looking to advance to the World Series for the second time in three seasons.

Here are things to know for Friday, Oct. 15:

One day before the Houston Astros begin their American League Championship Series with the Boston Red Sox, the status of star pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is still uncertain.

Boosted by a sharp start from Ian Anderson, Braves pitchers have now thrown 19 straight scoreless innings against Milwaukee in the NL Division Series.

Lance McCullers Jr. pitched scoreless ball into the seventh inning and Yordan Alvarez homered to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of their best-of-five AL Division Series.

Lance McCullers Jr. pitched scoreless ball into the seventh inning and Yordan Alvarez homered to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in Game 1 of their best-of-five AL Division Series.

The Houston Astros opened their 2021 postseason with a bang, dominating the Chicago White Sox in Game 1.

Shohei Ohtani scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning and the Los Angeles Angels snapped a six-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Houston Astros.

This time, the calls went Shohei Ohtani's way. Ohtani came home on Jack Mayfield's two-run double Thursday night and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Houston Astros 3-2 to snap a six-game losing streak. The two-way star from Japan tried to score the winning run during Wednesday's 9-5 loss to Houston in 12 innings, but was called out after a perfect throw from right fielder Chas McCormick.

Rookie Jake Meyers homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros jumped on Yusei Kikuchi early and sailed to an 11-2 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Abraham Toro hit a grand slam against a player he was traded for last month, connecting in the eighth inning and sending the Seattle Mariners over the Houston Astros 4-0.

Alex Bregman had two hits and an RBI in his first action in more than two months, and he scored the winning run in the 10th inning on a groundout by Jake Meyers to lift the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Alex Bregman had two hits and an RBI in his first action in more than two months, and he scored the winning run in the 10th inning on a groundout by Jake Meyers to lift the Houston Astros to a 6-5 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Yordan Álvarez homered and drove in four runs as the Houston Astros jumped on Yusei Kikuchi early and cruised to a 12-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.

Aledmys Díaz singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3, avoiding a four-game sweep.

Daniel Lynch allowed one run over seven sharp innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 3-1.

Reid Detmers pitched six innings of three-hit ball to earn his first major league victory, and the Los Angeles Angels avoided a three-game sweep with a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros.

Lance McCullers Jr. threw 6 2/3 shutout innings and the Houston Astros withstood the raucous, heckling fans at Dodger Stadium to blank Los Angeles 3-0.

Lance McCullers Jr. threw 6 2/3 shutout innings and the Houston Astros withstood the raucous, heckling fans at Dodger Stadium to blank Los Angeles 3-0.

Jed Lowrie and Matt Olson drove in a run each to back a strong start by Frankie Montas and give the Oakland Athletics a 2-1 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday.

Carlos Correa had an RBI double to spark Houston's four-run third inning and the Astros defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-3.

Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa hit back-to-back homers in the sixth inning and the Houston Astros rallied past the Detroit Tigers 3-2 to a split a doubleheader.

Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. threw 4 innings, giving up 1 run in the first inning before retiring the final 10 batters he faced.

Adolis García kept up his home run barrage, connecting twice and helping power the Texas Rangers past the Houston Astros 8-4.

Gerrit Cole starts against Houston on Thursday for the first time since leaving the Astros for a $324 million, nine-year contract with the Yankees before the 2020 season.

Lance McCullers Jr. struck out nine in seven shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat Tampa Bay 9-2 in the first meeting of the teams since the Rays won Game 7 of last year’s AL Championship Series.

McCullers Jr. struggles against Tigers while dealing with illness Wednesday night.

Caris LeVert scored 27 points, Domantas Sabonis added 22 and Malcolm Brogdon fell just short of a triple-double as the Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets 132-124.

Michael Fulmer earned his first win since 2018 and the Detroit Tigers built a big lead before holding off the short-handed Houston Astros 6-4 for a three-game sweep.

Yordan Álvarez hit a three-run homer and Houston kept thriving through all the boos, slugging its way to a third straight win in a 9-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and the Houston Astros have agreed to an $85 million, five-year contract covering 2022-26, a deal awaiting announcement by the team. McCullers agreed on Jan. 15 to a $6.5 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. “Houston is where I want to be," he said at spring training on Feb. 28. who broke his left ring finger in his first spring training appearance. McCullers is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA over seven innings in three spring training games.

HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have tendered contracts to three arbitration-eligible players: shortstop Carlos Correa, infielder Aledmys Díaz, and right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. Additionally, the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with right-handed pitcher Austin Pruitt. The deadline for Major League Baseball clubs to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players was 7 p.m. Wednesday. Selected by the Astros with the first-overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, Correa is entering his seventh Major League season with the Astros in 2021. He then made three starts for the Astros during the 2020 postseason, starting Game 1 of the ALDS at OAK, and Games 2 and 7 of the ALCS at TB. Pruitt, 31, was acquired by the Astros from Tampa Bay on Jan. 9, in exchange for two prospects, right-handed pitcher Peyton Battenfield and outfielder Cal Stevenson.

The Rays will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the World Series in Arlington, Texas, starting Tuesday night. Tampa Bay’s only other World Series appearance was in 2008, when it lost to the Philadelphia Phillies. Boston went on to win its first World Series in 86 seasons. Morton and McCullers became the first pair to pitch in the same winner-take-all postseason game as teammates and later start against each other in a winner-take-all game. Homer recordArozarena is only one homer away from matching the major league record of eight homers in any single postseason.

Arozarena homered again, 36-year-old Charlie Morton was brilliant against his former team and the Rays silenced the Houston Astros 4-2 to reach the World Series for just the second time. The Rays will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the World Series in Arlington, Texas, starting Tuesday night. Tampa Bay’s only other World Series appearance was in 2008, when it lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games. Under new manager Dusty Baker, the Astros were trying to reach the World Series for the third time in four seasons. “Cash made the right move again — shocker,” kidded ace Tyler Glasnow, now lined up to start the World Series opener.

HOUSTON – Raise your hand if you thought there would be a Game 7 of this 2020 American League Conference Series between the Houston Astros and the Tampa Bay Rays. Houston won three straight and now are a win away from their third World Series in four years. Lance was solid Monday in Game 1 when he struck out 11 in seven innings giving up one earned run and four overall. He will be opposed by Rays ace and former Astros star Charlie Morton, who also happens to be good friends with McCullers. He needs his curveball to be a go-to pitch, high velocity and try to match the seven innings he gave manager Dusky Baker in Game 2.

George Springer and José Altuve delivered big hits, Framber Valdéz pitched six brilliant innings and the Astros beat the Tampa Bay Rays for the third straight time, 7-4 Friday to force a deciding Game 7 of the AL Championship Series. Despite blowing a 3-0 series lead, they remain one win from the second World Series in franchise history — and one loss from joining the 2004 Yankees in ignominy. Game 7 on Saturday night will feature the pitchers who started and finished Houston’s Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. He has yet to win a World Series as a manager. As a player, he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win four straight World Series games in 1981 after falling behind the New York Yankees 0-2.

Houston chased starter Blake Snell in the fifth before Springer hit a go-ahead, two-run single and scored on Altuve’s double. The Red Sox stunned the New York Yankees to win the ALCS before winning their first World Series in 86 seasons. Game 7 on Saturday night will feature the pitchers who started and finished Houston’s Game 7 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2017 World Series. Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will go for the Astros while 36-year-old Charlie Morton is expected to start for the Rays. As a player, he helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series in 1981 against the New York Yankees.

I’m sure he’ll do that.”The Astros have also had a lousy go with runners on base. THE KID AND THE ACEOff to an impressive start in his first postseason, rookie Ian Anderson tries to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series when he faces Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw. CHANGE OF SOXAfter ending a 12-year playoff drought, the Chicago White Sox are looking for a new manager. The club announced Monday that Renteria won’t return after guiding the White Sox to a 35-25 record in his pandemic-shortened fourth season. Hahn said Renteria’s replacement probably will come from outside the White Sox.

Take It Back meets Come and Take It with this custom Houston Astros pistolHTX Tactical unveiled its latest custom firearm: A Houston Astros World Series-themed pistol. HTX Tactical unveiled its latest custom firearm: A Houston Astros World Series-themed pistol. Photo: Instagram / @HTXTactical Photo: Instagram / @HTXTactical Image 1 of / 38 Caption Close Take It Back meets Come and Take It with this custom Houston Astros pistol 1 / 38 Back to GalleryYou cant own this custom Houston Astros pistol, but its sure something to see. HTX Tactical, the Houston-based minds behind out-of-this-world custom firearms, built a custom handgun wrapped in classic Astros orange, yellow and white commemorating the teams 2017 World Series championship. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan | Email him at jay.jordan@chron.com

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Lance McCullers Jr. is trading in his Astros cap for that of Big Brother to bring some holiday spirit for families in need.The All-Star pitcher was at Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston Headquarters to give out turkeys to families connected with the non-profit whose mission is to provide at-risk youth "strong and enduring one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. "The turkeys were provided by ThrIVe Drip Spa, which will launch a second Houston location at 3277 Southwest Freeway in early December. The event was also made possible by a donation by Wal-Mart.McCullers is masking the most of his recovery after he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He missed the entire 2019 season on the field, but never failed to cheer on the Astros, help the Houston community and make connections with fans.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Lance McCullers Jr. is trading in his Astros cap for that of Big Brother to bring some holiday spirit for families in need.The All-Star pitcher was at Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston Headquarters to give out turkeys to families connected with the non-profit whose mission is to provide at-risk youth "strong and enduring one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. "The turkeys were provided by ThrIVe Drip Spa, which will launch a second Houston location at 3277 Southwest Freeway in early December. The event was also made possible by a donation by Wal-Mart.McCullers is masking the most of his recovery after he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He missed the entire 2019 season on the field, but never failed to cheer on the Astros, help the Houston community and make connections with fans.

Ive lost over a 100 lbs since then. pic.twitter.com/zzUZ02jm3T Gixxer Lizzy (@lizzy713) November 1, 2019EMBED >More News Videos ABC13's David Nuno visits with Astros pitcher Lance McCullers and his three pups: Minka, Riggins and Finn. "I've lost over a 100 lbs. "Ovalle said her original photo with McCullers was after the Astros won the World Series in 2017. McCullers was doing a meet-and-greet appearance at an Academy store.In response, McCullers was nothing but congratulatory to his fan.

EMBED >More News Videos ABC13's David Nuno visits with Astros pitcher Lance McCullers and his three pups: Minka, Riggins and Finn. EMBED >More News Videos Learn more about Astros' pitching star, Lance McCullers Jr.HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston Astros fan got the chance to retake a photo with her favorite player Lance McCullers Jr., marking the 100 pounds she lost since the two last shared a pose.Lizzy Ovalle told ABC13 she got to take the re-do pic after she tweeted at the star pitcher earlier this month. Ovalle tweeted. "Ovalle said her original photo with McCullers was after the Astros won the World Series in 2017. McCullers was doing a meet-and-greet appearance at an Academy store.In response, McCullers was nothing but congratulatory to his fan.

The dude can deal and he does so much for Houston! A few days after his surgery, McCullers was spotted on video saying "It's comeback season. "He's also well aware that fans would like to see him back on the field. On Monday, he retweeted a fan who asked the 'Stros to bring him back.Astros president Reid Ryan responded to the requests, saying that he loves Lance and what he does for Houston, but he already asked someone else.We now know who that is. Later Monday, the Astros revealed that Houston Rockets legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler will be part of the ceremonial first pitch, as Olajuwon will throw to Drexler.Drexler is also slated to make the "Play Ball!"

HOUSTON - Lance McCullers Jr. gifted a pair of World Series tickets to Astros fan Cruz Arcia Jr., who was harassed by several Yankee fans while attending Game 5 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium. A video of Arcia enduring Yankee fans yelling, showing hand gestures and throwing popcorn and beer at him went viral, catching the attention of McCullers. https://t.co/jnoX8WlJeP Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) October 19, 2019Twitter users promptly responded to McCullers request, locating Arcia's Twitter handle and others. Hours later Arcia shared a screenshot of McCuller's message to him. Bring your orange," McCullers responded to Arcia's tweet.

Astros Lance McCullers Jr. takes mound for pets in need at Harris County Animal ShelterAstros' pticher Lance McCullers Jr. takes mound for pets in need at Harris County Animal Shelter. Astros' pticher Lance McCullers Jr. takes mound for pets in need at Harris County Animal Shelter. Photo: Harris County Animal Shelter Dog Photo: Harris County Animal Shelter Dog Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Astros Lance McCullers Jr. takes mound for pets in need at Harris County Animal Shelter 1 / 1 Back to GalleryAstros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is apparently a great teammate on and off the field. This year, his charity, the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, and the Harris County Animal Shelter have joined forces up to put out a public service announcement. The Harris County Animal Shelter, a division of Harris County Public Health, provides animal adoption and veterinary care for homeless pets, a pet wellness clinic for the public, zoonotic disease surveillance, responsible pet ownership education and animal control services to Harris County pet owners.

EMBED >More News Videos Learn more about Astros' pitching star, Lance McCullers Jr.EMBED >More News Videos There's another Astros baby on the way! EMBED >More News Videos Lance McCullers ready for 'Comeback SZN' in post-surgery picHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is known for more than throwing heat on the diamond.As we've shown in the past, McCullers and his wife are advocates for animals, often holding fundraising events for the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, which you can support here So, it's no surprise that we began our ABC13 Celebrity Pets series with L-Mac, who has three trusty pooches at home: Minka, Riggins and Finn.In the video above, McCullers introduces his canines, which of them is the best cuddler, and the origins of their names, which, if you're a big "Friday Night Lights" fan, you'll deeply appreciate.

HOUSTON - Original Thirsty Thursdays are back! For more information on Thirsty Thursdays, click here. New giveawaysThe Astros also announced new promotions that have been added to the calendar. The game also falls on T-Shirt Tuesday, where fans are able to upgrade their ticket and receive a "No-Hitter" designed T-shirt. Gates open three hours prior to first pitch on giveaway nights.

you dont talk to an animal like that and you definitely dont act that way towards one either. even playing a prank on an animal is unacceptable. (@brockyte) August 8, 2019I own a doberman and would love to have the little guy. Your dog should be taken and given to a loving home and @YouTube needs to remove channel. Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) August 8, 2019LOS ANGELES -- A YouTuber is under investigation for possible animal abuse after unedited footage of a prank video appeared to show her hitting and spitting on her dog.Los Angeles police said Thursday the department is investigating Brooke Houts for possible animal abuse.The video seemingly shows Houts yelling, smacking and spitting in her dog's face while she's talking.

EMBED >More News Videos Learn more about Astros' pitching star, Lance McCullers Jr.EMBED >More News Videos There's another Astros baby on the way! EMBED >More News Videos Lance McCullers ready for 'Comeback SZN' in post-surgery picHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is known for more than throwing heat on the diamond.As we've shown in the past, McCullers and his wife are advocates for animals, often holding fundraising events for the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, which you can support here So, it's no surprise that we began our ABC13 Celebrity Pets series with L-Mac, who has three trusty pooches at home: Minka, Riggins and Finn.In the video above, McCullers introduces his canines, which of them is the best cuddler, and the origins of their names, which, if you're a big "Friday Night Lights" fan, you'll deeply appreciate.

EMBED >More News Videos Learn more about Astros' pitching star, Lance McCullers Jr.EMBED >More News Videos There's another Astros baby on the way! EMBED >More News Videos Lance McCullers ready for 'Comeback SZN' in post-surgery picHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is known for more than throwing heat on the diamond.As we've shown in the past, McCullers and his wife are advocates for animals, often holding fundraising events for the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, which you can support here So, it's no surprise that we began our ABC13 Celebrity Pets series with L-Mac, who has three trusty pooches at home: Minka, Riggins and Finn.In the video above, McCullers introduces his canines, which of them is the best cuddler, and the origins of their names, which, if you're a big "Friday Night Lights" fan, you'll deeply appreciate.

EMBED >More News Videos Learn more about Astros' pitching star, Lance McCullers Jr.EMBED >More News Videos There's another Astros baby on the way! EMBED >More News Videos Lance McCullers ready for 'Comeback SZN' in post-surgery picHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is known for more than throwing heat on the diamond.As we've shown in the past, McCullers and his wife are advocates for animals, often holding fundraising events for the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, which you can support here So, it's no surprise that we began our ABC13 Celebrity Pets series with L-Mac, who has three trusty pooches at home: Minka, Riggins and Finn.In the video above, McCullers introduces his canines, which of them is the best cuddler, and the origins of their names, which, if you're a big "Friday Night Lights" fan, you'll deeply appreciate.

EMBED >More News Videos Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has teamed up with Rescued Pets Movement to rescue thousands of animals this year. EMBED >More News Videos Adorable video shows the moment a Century City, California woman was surprised with an English bulldog puppy. NEW YORK -- A puppy that appears to have a mustache is trending online and will soon be available for adoption in New York City.The adorable pup is named Salvador Dolly after the Spanish painter Salvador Dali who also had a notable mustache.Salvador Dolly is currently in foster care with her mom and 10 siblings in Dallas. All of the puppies are 5 weeks old.They will all be up for adoption through Hearts and Bones Rescue in NYC.The group rescues the majority of their dogs from the Dallas area before they are transported to New York.to learn more, make a donation or apply to adopt or foster.

EMBED >More News Videos Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has teamed up with Rescued Pets Movement to rescue thousands of animals this year. EMBED >More News Videos Adorable video shows the moment a Century City, California woman was surprised with an English bulldog puppy. NEW YORK -- A puppy that appears to have a mustache is trending online and will soon be available for adoption in New York City.The adorable pup is named Salvador Dolly after the Spanish painter Salvador Dali who also had a notable mustache.Salvador Dolly is currently in foster care with her mom and 10 siblings in Dallas. All of the puppies are 5 weeks old.They will all be up for adoption through Hearts and Bones Rescue in NYC.The group rescues the majority of their dogs from the Dallas area before they are transported to New York.to learn more, make a donation or apply to adopt or foster.