ARLINGTON -- Following Thursday's off-day, Astros manager A.J. Hinch decided on Friday to move left-hander Dallas Keuchel to the back of the rotation to give him extra rest as he deals with fatigue. Keuchel's next start will be on Tuesday, against the Indians.
Right-handers Joe Musgrove and Collin McHugh will finish the series against the Rangers, and Mike Fiers will start the series opener on Monday in Cleveland.
"If we're going to push Keuchel back a day or two, it's important to give him as much rest as we can," Hinch said. "It's an important 29 games [to finish out the season] for us. I know this series [against the Rangers] is circled as a huge series for us, with the rivalry and the AL West, but for us to have the best chance and the best month, it's important for those guys to get on a routine."
Hinch said that Keuchel, who last pitched on Aug. 27, hasn't undergone any MRIs or additional tests, adding that doctors in Houston prescribed the rest. Keuchel, the 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner, has gone 6-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 12 starts since June 18, including 10 quality starts.
"He's not responding to the in-between starts as well as we want him to," Hinch said. "We're just going to give him as much time as possible. If we have to address it again, there will be some concern. With a week of playing the Rangers and the Indians, this is the best way to do it."
Worth noting
• The Astros joined with the rest of Major League Baseball on Friday in participating in spreading awareness of childhood cancer, wearing gold ribbons and wristbands. Clubs have the option of donating to local non-profits and hospitals, or furthering awareness through on-field ceremonies during the month. The Astros will participate in the latter during an upcoming homestand.
"It's our humble gesture to be able to bring further awareness to something that we all need to keep fighting for, which is a cure," Hinch said. "It's even more devastating when it impacts a child."
• Marwin Gonzalez was not in the lineup on Friday and is still day to day after leaving Wednesday's game with discomfort in his right hamstring.
• Yulieski Gurriel appeared at first base for the first time with the Astros in Friday's game, replacing A.J. Reed in the sixth inning. Gurriel began working at first before the game with Gonzalez limited due to his injury.