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Astros' Garcia removed in 2nd inning of Game 2 with knee injury

Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Houston Astros might have lost another pitcher, as right-hander Luis Garcia was removed from Game 2 of the ALCS in the second inning with an injury.

Manager Dusty Baker said postgame that Garcia suffered a right knee strain and is now being examined by doctors, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

After walking Boston Red Sox catcher Kevin Plawecki to open the second, Garcia had a long conversation with Astros trainers and Baker on the mound before being lifted.

Garcia, one of the best rookie pitchers in the American League during the regular season, walked three and struck out two during his brief outing. He gave up a grand slam to J.D. Martinez in the first that put Boston ahead 4-0.

The Astros are already without ace Lance McCullers Jr. for the ALCS after he felt forearm tightness during his start in Game 4 of the ALDS. On Friday, they used eight pitchers to beat Boston in Game 1 of the series, including Cristian Javier - another potential starter.

Additionally, right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who was pressed into relief duty because of the injury, was being lined up to start Game 4 in Boston, Baker said, per Alex Speier of the Boston Globe.

Odorizzi's appearance was his first of the postseason for Houston after having been left off the ALDS roster. The 31-year-old wasn't able to stop the Red Sox offense, as he quickly allowed Rafael Devers to hit Boston's second grand slam in as many innings. It was the first time a team hit two grand slams in one postseason game, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com.

Boston won the game 9-5 to even the ALCS at one game apiece.

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