Astros Face Regular Season Without Lance McCullers Jr.
The Houston Astros are gearing up for the remainder of the regular season without the valuable presence of pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. After battling complications from off-season surgery, McCullers remains sidelined and is unlikely to return this season, putting a significant dent in the Astros' pitching roster.
Lingering Complications
McCullers, who underwent surgery last summer to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and remove a bone spur, has seen little progress in his recovery. Despite initial hopes that he would make a timely return, a setback in early July has kept McCullers' recovery timetable uncertain. The pitcher's condition has not advanced to the point where he can begin a rehab assignment, effectively ending his chances of contributing to the 2023 regular season.
"The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season," stated Joe Espada, the team's bench coach.
Career Highlights and Contract Details
Since debuting in the major leagues in 2015, McCullers has made 130 appearances, compiling an impressive 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+) and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite his undeniable talent, McCullers has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He's exceeded the 150-inning mark only once—in the 2021 season, where he pitched a career-high of 162.1 innings. His next highest total was 128 innings during the 2018 season. McCullers has also been an integral part of the Astros' success, pitching in two World Series victories and starting Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Astros showed their faith in McCullers' abilities by extending his contract with a five-year, $85 million deal prior to the start of the 2021 season. He is under contract through the 2026 campaign and is owed $34 million over the next two seasons.
Shuffling the Pitching Roster
In light of McCullers' prolonged absence, the Astros have made moves to bolster their pitching staff. The team executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, looking to fill the gap left by their ailing pitcher. Additionally, Justin Verlander, another key player on the mend, participated in a simulated game on Sunday. Verlander is expected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments before rejoining the Astros sometime in the middle of the month, offering a glimmer of hope for the team's rotation.
Future Implications
The Astros find themselves in a challenging position as they prepare to navigate the final stretch of the regular season without one of their top pitchers. While the addition of Yusei Kikuchi and the anticipated return of Justin Verlander provide some relief, the team must adapt and rally to maintain their competitive edge. The absence of McCullers is undoubtedly a setback, but the Astros' resilience and strategic adjustments will be essential as they strive for postseason success.