Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle reports that Astros righty Lance McCullers will start the season on the disabled list.

McCullers has an MRI on his pitching shoulder last week after experiencing some soreness. He said the MRI came back “clean,” but did not have a timetable for his return to action. The DL move certainly suggests that, even if there is no serious issue there, the Astros are going to take their time easing McCullers back into action.

McCullers made 22 starts as a rookie last year, posting a 6-7 record with a 3.22 ERA and 129 strikeouts over 125 and two-thirds innings. He’s an important part of Houston’s plans, but it’s certainly more important for him to be sure to be available in the summer than it is in the spring.