"I'm really excited," McCullers said. "[Manager A.J. Hinch] told me a couple of days ago I was likely getting the nod. He told me he would let me know in a couple of days, and I'm excited, because either way it's going to be a big game for us."
McCullers, 22, went 6-7 with a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts this year, including a complete-game win over the Orioles on June 3 in his fourth Major League start. He last pitched Sunday at Arizona and allowed three runs (two earned) and six hits in five innings in the regular-season finale.