Astros' Lance McCullers won't throw a bullpen 'any time soon,' A.J. Hinch says

PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a three-run home run to Oakland Athletics Chad Pinder during the fourth inning of an MLB game at Minute Maid Park, Wednesday, July 11, 2018, in Houston. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) Browse through the photos to see how the Astros have fared in each game this season. less PHOTOS: Astros game-by-game Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) reacts after giving up a three-run home run to Oakland Athletics Chad Pinder during the fourth inning of an MLB game at ... more Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 245 Caption Close Astros' Lance McCullers won't throw a bullpen 'any time soon,' A.J. Hinch says 1 / 245 Back to Gallery

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Though he was originally scheduled to throw a bullpen as early as this weekend in Anaheim, Lance McCullers Jr.'s throwing program has been slowed down and the righthander will not throw off a mound "any time soon," manager A.J. Hinch said Sunday.

McCullers has been on the disabled list since Aug. 5 with a strained right forearm muscle he sustained while swinging a bat against the Dodgers.

"I don't know if it's a setback as much as continued lack of progress to the level or the speed in which it's OK to get on the mound," Hinch said. "We knew it was going to be September until we considered doing anything, then we thought we could be a little more aggressive with him, but we're going to put that on pause and have him do a throwing program.

During this nine-game road trip, McCullers has been playing catch symptom-free, Hinch said, and nothing has alarmed the club with his throwing. A re-evaluation determined McCullers should be "pushed back into September."

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That's been the long stated goal: a September return for the 24-year-old righthander who's already thrown a career-high 126 regular-season innings. Hope remains that can be achieved, but more likely as a reliever than a starter.

"It would be hard to get him built back up as a starter," Hinch said. "Never say never because once you get on the mound and get going, things can progress a different way. But I think the focus will be and probably should be shorter stints."

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