In a significant blow to their pitching rotation, the Houston Astros are preparing to finish the regular season without the services of right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. This comes as McCullers, who has been battling complications from off-season surgery, faces an unlikely return this season.
McCullers underwent a surgical procedure last summer to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and remove a bone spur. Unfortunately, he has not progressed to the point of beginning a rehab assignment, a setback dating back to early July. These complications have left the Astros grappling with a notable absence in their pitching roster.
Impact on the Astros' Rotation
Joe Espada, the team's bench coach, acknowledged the challenging situation, stating, "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season." This reality puts added pressure on the team's other pitchers to step up in McCullers' absence.
Throughout his career, McCullers has been a reliable force for the Astros. Debuting in the major leagues in 2015, McCullers has made 130 appearances, posting a career ERA of 3.48 (118 ERA+) and an impressive 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, his ability to pitch a high volume of innings has often been curtailed by injuries, surpassing 150 innings only once, during the 2021 season. His next highest inning total was 128, achieved in 2018.
Career Highlights
Despite these setbacks, McCullers has had his share of significant moments on the mound. He played a role in two of the Astros' World Series victories, including starting Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His contributions were evidently valuable enough for the Astros to extend his contract prior to the 2021 season with a five-year, $85 million deal, keeping him under contract through 2026. McCullers is owed $34 million over the next two seasons.
Astros Make Moves
In light of McCullers' prolonged recovery, the Astros have been active in bolstering their pitching staff. One notable move was the acquisition of left-hander Yusei Kikuchi at the deadline, aiming to plug the gap left by McCullers.
Additionally, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander has been on the mend and is making strides towards a return. Verlander participated in a simulated game on Sunday and is expected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments. If all goes well, Verlander is projected to rejoin the Astros' rotation by the middle of the month, offering a much-needed boost as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season.
A Long Road Ahead
For the Houston Astros, the road to the playoffs has been complicated by McCullers’ injury woes, but the team remains resilient. The acquisitions and the impending return of Verlander are crucial steps to maintain their competitive edge. With Espada and the rest of the coaching staff working tirelessly, the Astros are focused on overcoming these challenges and striving for a deep postseason run.
As McCullers continues his recovery, the Astros' fan base remains hopeful for his return to form, ready to see him back on the mound delivering the kind of performances that have endeared him to Houston supporters over the years. For now, the team must tread carefully, counting on its depth and experience to navigate an arduous final stretch to the season.