Astros' Keuchel to miss at least two starts

[September 06, 2016]  (Reuters) - Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel will miss at least two scheduled starts and undergo tests for inflammation inhis left throwing shoulder, the team said on Monday.

Keuchel, who was supposed to start on Tuesday against Cleveland, felt discomfort after a throwing session on Sunday and was sent back to Houston to be examined by team doctors.

“This is the time of year where there's always soreness," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters.

"He's really good at pitching through a lot of the irregularities that happen throughout the season, and this is just something he couldn't do.

“When he played catch on Sunday and felt uncomfortable, we decided to send him back.”

Keuchel, the reigning American League Cy Young winner, has been dealing with pain since after his most recent start on Aug. 27 and does not have a timetable for return.

Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws a pitch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

He is 9-12 with a 4.55 ERA this season for the Astros, who are in the thick of the AL Wild Card race.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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