The Houston Astros are facing the closing stretch of the regular season without the services of a crucial player, Lance McCullers Jr. The right-hander has been sidelined due to complications stemming from off-season surgery, leading to an unlikely return this season. Bench coach Joe Espada noted, "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 to remove a bone spur. Unfortunately, his recovery has been hampered by a setback in early July, preventing him from advancing to a rehab assignment. This prolonged absence is a significant blow to the Astros' rotation, given McCullers’ formidable track record on the mound.
Impact on the Astros' Rotation
McCullers made his major league debut in 2015 and has since accumulated 130 appearances with an impressive 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+). Despite his talent, stamina has been an issue, as he has only exceeded the 150-inning mark once in his career, during the 2021 season. His next highest inning total was 128 back in 2018. Known for his competitive spirit and skill, McCullers was a key figure in two of the Astros' World Series victories and notably started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Prior to the 2021 season, the Astros secured McCullers' future with a five-year, $85 million contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2026 campaign. With $34 million owed over the next two seasons, the Astros are investing heavily in his recovery and future contributions.
Reinforcements and Recovery
In a bid to bolster their pitching staff amid McCullers' absence, the Astros executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Additionally, the team is seeing positive progress from another cornerstone of their rotation, Justin Verlander. The veteran ace has been on the mend and participated in a simulated game on Sunday. Verlander is scheduled to undertake a series of minor-league rehab assignments with an eye on rejoining the Astros sometime in the middle of the month. His return would provide a significant boost to the team as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Looking Forward
The Astros, accustomed to adapting to challenges, now face the critical task of navigating the remainder of the season without one of their key pitchers. Lance McCullers Jr.'s absence underscores the importance of depth and resilience for a team with postseason ambitions. While fans eagerly await his return to the mound, the Astros must rely on their current roster and newly acquired talent to maintain their competitive edge.
As the regular season continues, Houston's focus will undoubtedly be on maximizing their roster's potential and ensuring that when McCullers does return, he does so completely healthy and ready to contribute to future successes. Meanwhile, the team's eyes are set on making a deep postseason run, bolstered by the anticipated return of Justin Verlander and the contributions of their recently strengthened bullpen.