Astros Face Remainder of Season Without Lance McCullers Jr.
The Houston Astros are gearing up to navigate the remainder of the regular season with a significant absence in their pitching roster. Lance McCullers Jr., a staple for the Astros since his major league debut in 2015, is unlikely to return this season due to complications from off-season surgery.
McCullers has been sidelined as he recovers from a surgery he underwent last summer. The procedure involved repairing a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and the removal of a bone spur. Despite the Astros' hopes, McCullers has not advanced to the point where he can begin a rehab assignment. Adding to their woes, he suffered a setback in early July, further delaying any potential return to the mound.
Bench coach Joe Espada summed up the situation, stating, "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season."
McCullers has had a notable career, tallying 130 appearances and maintaining an impressive 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+). His strikeout-to-walk ratio sits at a commendable 2.70. However, he has struggled with durability, surpassing the 150-inning mark only once in his career, during the 2021 season. His next highest inning total came in 2018, with 128 innings pitched.
An Ongoing Pitching Puzzle
While McCullers' absence marks a significant blow to the team, it is not the only challenge the Astros are facing with their pitching roster. Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander has also been on the mend. Verlander recently participated in a simulated game on Sunday and is expected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments. The team is hopeful that he will rejoin the Astros sometime in the middle of the month.
To bolster their pitching options, the Astros executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. This move reflects the team's proactive approach to securing their pitching staff as they aim for postseason success.
McCullers' Contract and Contributions
Lance McCullers Jr. has been a valuable asset to the Astros, not just for his regular-season performances but also for his contributions in the postseason. He has pitched in two World Series victories, with a notable start in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Recognizing his value, the Astros extended McCullers' contract before the 2021 season with a five-year, $85 million deal. He is under contract through the 2026 campaign, with $34 million owed over the next two seasons.
As the season progresses without McCullers, the Astros will look to their depth and recent acquisitions to fill the void. The team's resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial as they aim to navigate the challenges and pressures of the remainder of the regular season and potential postseason play.