McCullers (forearm) said Wednesday he's behind his expected rehab timeline and isn't sure if he'll be ready for Opening Day, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
The Astros never provided a comprehensive update after McCullers suffered the forearm injury during the ALDS and sat out the rest of the playoffs, but he said Wednesday it was a "pretty good strain of the flexor tendon" and was "off the bone quite a bit." The ongoing lockout has complicated the process for his rehab program, though the right-hander is apparently still currently throwing. With only five weeks before the start of the regular season, McCullers' availability is clearly in question. Opening Day is currently tabbed for March 31 against the Phillies, though that could be pushed back if a new CBA isn't agreed upon soon to end the lockout.