Lance McCullers Jr., the veteran right-hander for the Houston Astros, is expected to miss the remainder of the season as he continues to recover from injuries. McCullers was shut down from throwing a month ago during his rehabilitation process.
Astros manager Joe Espada revealed this news on Sunday before the team’s 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. McCullers will be sidelined for a second consecutive season after undergoing surgery in June 2023 to repair a right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow. He had aimed to return in time for the Astros’ crucial stretch run as they compete with the Seattle Mariners for the American League West title.
At 30 years old, McCullers hasn’t pitched since 2022, when he recorded a 4-2 record and a 2.27 ERA in eight starts. Over his seven major league seasons, all with the Astros, he has a career record of 49-32 with a 3.48 ERA in 130 games (127 starts). He was an All-Star in 2017, finishing with a 7-4 record and a 4.25 ERA in 22 starts.
Although McCullers had made progress with bullpen sessions in Houston this season, he was removed from his rehab assignment last month. Espada mentioned that while McCullers does not have structural damage in his elbow, he did not provide a specific reason for the recent setback.
Espada noted, “Given the current situation, it’s safe to say that I don’t think he’ll pitch this season. It would be nearly impossible to have him ready with the limited number of games remaining. While everything is moving in the right direction, it’s just where we stand.”
In related news, Astros right-hander Justin Verlander, who is dealing with neck stiffness, threw a 37-pitch live batting practice session on Sunday, reaching 94 mph. Espada stated that Verlander is scheduled to start a rehab assignment next weekend.
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