Astros' Lance McCullers could make season debut next weekend

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A day after Lance McCullers threw five scoreless innings in a rehab start for Class AAA Fresno, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said it's "very possible" the righthander could make his season debut during the team's four-game series in Boston that begins Thursday and ends Sunday.

"It depends on how he responds to his workload (from Saturday)," Hinch said before Sunday's series finale against the Mariners at Minute Maid Park. "This is the first time where he's had game action that's outside of (spring training) complex baseball (since April 11).

"So if he responds well and favorably, his arm feels good, his bullpen goes well, it's very possible that he could make a start in Boston."

Hinch has yet to reveal his rotation beyond Wednesday's series finale against the Indians, but it's expected Keuchel will start Thursday's series opener against the Red Sox on regular rest.

If all goes well for McCullers, he could then slide into the rotation behind Keuchel or behind Collin McHugh, who would be on regular rest Friday. The team will have to make a decision whether to bump Mike Fiers or Chris Devenski to the bullpen. Fiers starts Monday against the Indians, Devenski on Tuesday.

Still with the Fresno team during its series in El Paso, McCullers was set to play catch Sunday and throw a bullpen session Monday. His outing Saturday was efficient - he needed only 64 pitches to get through the five innings - and his fastball velocity registered between 91 and 96 mph.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers shags balls in the outfield during batting practice before an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Friday, April 15, 2016, in Houston. Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers shags balls in the outfield during batting practice before an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park, Friday, April 15, 2016, in Houston. Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Astros' Lance McCullers could make season debut next weekend 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

The start to McCullers' season was set back because of shoulder soreness he experienced during spring training. He began a rehab assignment April 11 in Corpus Christi before his comeback was stalled because of lingering recovery issues between outings. He pitched in extended spring training games before starting Saturday for Fresno.