Dallas Keuchel (shoulder) throws two-plus innings of simulated ball for Astros

Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (shoulder) threw 39 pitches over two-plus innings in a simulated game on Tuesday.

What It Means:

Keuchel said his body and arm felt "good," and that he's ready to make his spring debut. It sounds like the 29-year-old southpaw will be ready for Opening Day after being bothered by shoulder inflammation last season.

Keuchel saw his ERA drop from 2.48 in 2016 (33 starts), to 4.55 (26 starts) in 2017. However, he did finish with a 3.53 xFIP across the 168 innings, suggesting some things just didn't go his way on the mound.