The Houston Astros are forging ahead through the remainder of the regular season without one of their key pitchers, Lance McCullers Jr. The right-hander has been sidelined due to complications stemming from off-season surgery and remains unlikely to return this season. The Astros' bench coach, Joe Espada, confirmed, "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season."
McCullers' injury troubles began last summer when he underwent surgery to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and to remove a bone spur. Despite hopes for a strong recovery, McCullers has not progressed to the point of beginning a rehab assignment. His journey back to the mound faced another hurdle with a setback occurring in early July. As a result, the star pitcher who debuted in the major leagues in 2015 and has since made 130 appearances with a 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+) and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio, is set to miss significant playtime.
A Troubled Path to Recovery
The 29-year-old pitcher has faced his fair share of challenges throughout his career. Notably, McCullers has only surpassed the 150-inning mark once, during the 2021 season. His second-highest inning total was 128, recorded in the 2018 season. This season, hopes were high following McCullers' contract extension with the Astros, an impressive five-year, $85 million deal signed prior to the 2021 season that keeps him under contract through the 2026 campaign. With $34 million owed over the next two years, the Astros are looking for their investment to eventually pay off on the mound.
McCullers has also contributed to two World Series victories, highlighting his significant impact on the team's success. He notably started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, cementing his place in Astros' lore. These achievements underscore his importance to the team, making his absence all the more impactful this season.
Astros Seek Reinforcements
In light of McCullers' setback, the Astros have been proactive in shoring up their pitching staff. They executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, offering some much-needed depth to their rotation. In addition, the team is closely monitoring the recovery of Justin Verlander, another critical piece of their pitching puzzle.
Verlander, who has been on the mend, participated in a simulated game on Sunday, signaling progress in his return. He is projected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments before potentially rejoining the Astros sometime in the middle of the month. His return could provide a significant boost to the team's aspirations as they continue to navigate the challenges posed by McCullers' injury.
Looking Ahead
While the Astros contend with the absence of McCullers, the rest of their roster will need to step up to fill the void. The team’s resilience and ability to adapt to these setbacks will be crucial as they aim for a strong finish to the regular season and prepare for potential postseason play.
The commitment to McCullers is evident through his substantial contract and the trust placed in his recovery. The Astros, their fans, and McCullers himself remain hopeful that his rehabilitation will eventually lead to a triumphant return to the mound. As McCullers works towards recovery, the focus remains on building momentum with the current roster and the newly acquired reinforcements.
For now, the Astros must rely on their depth and the performances of pitchers like Kikuchi and a recuperating Verlander to shoulder the burden. The coming weeks will be vital for the Astros as they strive to maintain their competitive edge and prepare for the eventual return of their celebrated right-hander.