Houston Astros Face Challenge Without Lance McCullers Jr.
The Houston Astros' pitching rotation has taken a significant hit as they navigate the rest of the regular season without the services of right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. The seasoned pitcher has been sidelined due to complications following off-season surgery, leaving the team to adapt to his prolonged absence. According to bench coach Joe Espada, "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season."
McCullers underwent surgery last summer to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and remove a bone spur. Despite initial hopes for a faster recovery, McCullers has not progressed to the point of starting a rehab assignment. His journey back to the mound faced a major setback in early July, further dashing hopes for his return this season.
Since making his major league debut in 2015, McCullers has been a crucial part of the Astros' lineup, amassing 130 appearances with a 3.48 ERA and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, his career has been punctuated by injuries, limiting his availability. Notably, he has surpassed the 150-inning mark only once, achieving it during the 2021 season. Prior to that, his highest season total was 128 innings in 2018.
McCullers has also played a vital role in the Astros' postseason success, contributing to two World Series victories. He notably started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping secure the championship for Houston. Recognizing his value, the Astros extended McCullers' contract prior to the 2021 season with a five-year, $85 million deal, securing his services through the 2026 campaign. McCullers is owed $34 million over the next two seasons.
The Astros have responded to McCullers' absence by making strategic moves in the pitching department. They executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, bolstering their rotation as they aim for postseason success. Furthermore, Justin Verlander, another key pitcher for the team, is on the mend. Verlander recently participated in a simulated game on Sunday and is slated to undertake a couple of minor-league rehab assignments. If his recovery progresses as expected, Verlander could rejoin the Astros sometime in the middle of the month, providing a much-needed boost to the team's pitching lineup.
The loss of McCullers is undoubtedly a significant blow to the Astros, but the team remains resilient. With strategic acquisitions and the potential return of Verlander, Houston is poised to maintain its competitive edge as the regular season draws to a close. The Astros' depth and adaptability will be tested in the coming weeks as they aim to secure a strong position heading into the postseason.