As the Houston Astros continue their pursuit of postseason success, they'll have to do so without the services of right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. The 29-year-old pitcher has faced complications from off-season surgery that have ultimately sidelined him for the rest of the regular season.
A Season on the Sidelines
McCullers underwent surgery last summer to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and to remove a bone spur. While the initial prognosis seemed promising, setbacks have marred his recovery process. He suffered a significant setback in early July, and as of now, he has not even begun a rehab assignment. Given the current circumstances, McCullers is unlikely to return this season.
“The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season,” said Joe Espada, the team's bench coach. Since making his major league debut in 2015, McCullers has become an integral part of the Astros' pitching staff. Over 130 career appearances, he has posted a commendable 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+) and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
A Glimpse into McCullers' Career
Despite his talent, McCullers' career has often been plagued by injuries. He has only surpassed the 150-inning mark once, during the 2021 season. His next highest total was 128 innings in 2018. Nevertheless, McCullers has had memorable moments, including starting Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, which the Astros won against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, he has contributed to two World Series victories for the Astros.
In a bid to secure his services for the long term, the Astros extended McCullers' contract before the 2021 season with a five-year, $85 million deal. This contract keeps him under Houston's control through the 2026 campaign, with McCullers owed $34 million over the next two seasons.
Looking to Fill the Void
To compensate for McCullers' absence, the Astros have made strategic moves, including acquiring left-hander Yusei Kikuchi through a deadline deal. Kikuchi's addition is seen as a significant boost to the team's pitching depth. Additionally, the return of Justin Verlander offers a glimmer of hope for the Astros. Verlander, who has been on the mend, participated in a simulated game on Sunday and is projected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments soon. He is expected to rejoin the Astros sometime in the middle of the month, providing a much-needed boost to their rotation.
The Astros' ability to adapt and overcome these pitching challenges will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season. The loss of McCullers is undoubtedly significant, but the team has shown resilience in the face of adversity before. With bench coach Joe Espada and the rest of the coaching staff at the helm, the Astros remain focused on their goal.
While the road to recovery for McCullers has been arduous, his journey is far from over. The Astros and their fans will undoubtedly await his return with bated breath, hopeful that he can once again take the mound and contribute to the team's success.
In the meantime, the combination of emerging talent and experienced veterans will be pivotal for the Astros as they aim to continue their competitive streak. The remainder of the season promises to be an uphill battle, but if there's one thing this team has demonstrated consistently, it's their tenacity and ability to rise to the occasion.