Postseason required for Astros if McCullers or Keuchel to return in 2016

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OAKLAND --- At this late juncture in the season, with the Astros guaranteed only more 12 games after Monday, the rotation they’ve used recently is the one with which they will finish the regular season.

A 2016 return of either Lance McCullers or Dallas Keuchel will require a postseason berth, the possibility of which remains remote for the Astros. And even then, it’s not a guarantee either of their top two starters would be available.

“At this point, neither could build up quickly enough to start in the regular season,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said on Monday.

“Whether or not either could be available to start in the postseason remains to be seen, (depending on) how deep we go and what kind of progress they’re making.”

McCullers is closer than Keuchel, who is still only two weeks removed from being shut down because of left shoulder inflammation, a period of rest that doctors recommended to last four to six weeks, according to Keuchel.

McCullers, on the other hand, is seven weeks removed from when he exited his last start with an elbow sprain. After weeks of playing catch, the 22-year-old righthander is scheduled to get off a mound for the first time in his rehabilitation “in the next few days,” according to Luhnow

“That will be the next big milestone for him,” the GM said.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) pitches in the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Saturday, July 9, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) pitches in the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Saturday, July 9, 2016, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Postseason required for Astros if McCullers or Keuchel to return in 2016 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

McCullers would need to pitch off the mound a few times before facing hitters – either in a simulated game or live batting practice – so it’s still premature to even speculate a timetable for a potential return.

Ditto for Keuchel, who is with the Astros on their road trip but has still yet to play catch. Although he said Friday he expected to play catch in Oakland if the Astros won their series in Seattle – they took two of three – it’s unclear when he will do so.

As for third baseman Alex Bregman, also likely out for the remainder of the regular season because of a hamstring strain, Luhnow said, “He’s working hard but those types of injuries take a while to resolve themselves."

“Every day we’re seeing a little bit of progress and he certainly is champing at the bit wanting to be here and wanting to help these guys out,” Luhnow said. “But (the) timeline is still not clear.”

The Astros came into the weekend probably needing to win 11 of their last 13 games to have even a chance at the second wild card.

“I don’t think anybody can complain if you’re in the second half of September and every game means something,” Luhnow said. “That’s what we play for. For us, this is the playoffs. There’s no guarantees beyond the end of the season. So we have to treat every game from now until the end like it’s the most important game we’re going to play the rest of the year.”