Astros' McCullers, Red Sox reliever Barnes left off ALCS rosters

Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. has been left off the roster for the American League Championship Series against the Boston Red Sox.

The right-hander left his Game 4 start in the ALDS against the Chicago White Sox due to right forearm tightness. McCullers allowed one run on five hits and three walks while striking out five before getting lifted.

McCullers injured a forearm muscle but did not suffer any kind of structural damage, manager Dusty Baker said Friday. The Astros are unsure if the pitcher will be available for the World Series, should they make it.

The Astros added Jake Odorizzi and left-hander Blake Taylor to the roster. Houston could hypothetically add McCullers to the ALCS roster if needed, but the player he replaces would be ineligible to return through the World Series.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox will be without former closer Matt Barnes and left-hander Austin Davis, instead opting to carry Darwinzon Hernandez and Hirokazu Sawamura in the bullpen.

Boston originally added Barnes to the ALDS roster as an injury replacement for Garrett Richards.