Lance McCullers made a remarkable return to the mound after a two and a half year absence and the Astros are playing it safe with him.

CLEVELAND - The Houston Astros will push Lance McCullers Jr.'s next start back to give the right-hander extra rest, manager Joe Espada said, requiring them to plug in a starter for Sunday's series finale against the Guardians.

McCullers said he had not heard from the person accused of making the threats but would be open to an apology.