Right-hander Cristian Javier will start Game 3 of the American League Championship Series for the Astros at Yankees Stadium on Saturday in place of Lance McCullers Jr., whose departure was pushed back until Game 4 on Sunday.
The change comes after McCullers was hit in the elbow by a champagne bottle during the celebration in Seattle following his team’s win in Game 3 of the ALDS and suffered a minor cut.
“I’m fine,” McCullers said. “There’s a little bit of swelling, but it’s nothing serious.”
McCullers reported no problems during a bullpen session Friday and will face the Yankees’ Cuban left-hander Nestor Cortes in Game 4.
On June 25, Javier, Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly combined to pitch the first no-hitter at Yankee Stadium in 19 years in a 3-0 Houston victory.