The Houston Astros are facing a challenging stretch as they navigate the remainder of the regular season without a key piece of their pitching rotation: Lance McCullers Jr. The right-hander has been sidelined due to complications from off-season surgery, which originally aimed to repair a flexor tendon and remove a bone spur in his throwing arm. Unfortunately, McCullers experienced a setback in early July and has not advanced to the point of beginning a rehab assignment, making it unlikely that he will return this season.
What makes McCullers' absence particularly stinging for the Astros is that he has been a cornerstone for the team since his major league debut in 2015. Over his career, McCullers has made 130 appearances, posting a 3.48 ERA and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While he's only surpassed the 150-inning mark once—in the 2021 season—he remains a high-impact player when healthy. Additionally, McCullers has been instrumental in two of Houston's World Series victories, even starting Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Prior to the 2021 season, the Astros recognized his value by extending his contract with a five-year, $85 million deal, keeping him under contract through the 2026 campaign.
Bench coach Joe Espada acknowledged the uphill battle the team faces without McCullers: "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season." As McCullers is owed $34 million over the next two seasons, his health and long-term performance remain critical considerations for the Astros' future.
Adjustments and Acquisitions
In response to McCullers' uncertain status, the Astros made a key deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. The move was clearly aimed at bolstering the pitching staff, which has also been dealing with the absence of veteran ace Justin Verlander. Verlander, who has been on the mend, participated in a simulated game on Sunday, with plans to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments before rejoining the team sometime in the middle of the month. This timeline offers a glimmer of hope for the Astros' pitching depth as they push towards the postseason.
A Storied but Interrupted Career
McCullers' journey has been marked by both high achievements and frustrating interruptions. His best season in terms of innings pitched was 2021 when he crossed the 150-inning threshold. His next highest total, 128 innings, came during the 2018 season. Despite these interruptions, McCullers' talent has always shone through in critical moments. His postseason record stands as a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure, making his extended absence all the more impactful for the Astros.
As the regular season winds down, the Astros will have to rely on their recent acquisitions and the potential return of Verlander to fill the void left by McCullers. The team's resilience will be tested, but the Astros have demonstrated time and again that they can adapt and overcome adversity. For now, the focus remains on navigating the remainder of the season without one of their star pitchers while keeping an eye on a hopeful return to full strength in the future.