Astros Face Final Stretch Without McCullers
The Houston Astros are contending with a significant challenge as they navigate the remainder of the regular season. Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., a crucial component of their rotation, is sidelined indefinitely due to complications stemming from off-season surgery.
McCullers, who debuted in the major leagues in 2015, underwent surgery last summer to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and to remove a bone spur. Although initially anticipated to return, his recovery has encountered several setbacks, the most significant of which came in early July. As a result, McCullers has not yet progressed to the point of beginning a rehab assignment, leaving his chances of pitching again this season increasingly slim.
Reflecting on McCullers' impact and unfortunate absence, Astros bench coach Joe Espada noted, "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season." This statement underscores the gravity of the situation for a team that relies heavily on its pitching depth.
The right-hander's career has been marked by moments of brilliance and bouts of adversity. Over 130 career appearances, McCullers has maintained an impressive 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+) and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, durability has often been a concern; he only surpassed the 150-inning mark once, during the 2021 season. His next highest total of innings pitched was 128, recorded in 2018.
McCullers' contributions to the Astros extend beyond the regular season. He has been a pivotal figure in their postseason success, including pitching in two World Series victories. Notably, he started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a matchup that solidified his status as a clutch performer in high-stakes games.
In recognition of his value, the Astros extended McCullers' contract before the 2021 season with a lucrative five-year, $85 million deal, securing his services through the 2026 campaign. As it stands, he is owed $34 million over the next two seasons, putting additional pressure on both the organization and the player to ensure a full recovery and return to form.
In response to McCullers' absence and with an eye on bolstering their roster, the Astros executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. This move aims to shore up their rotation and mitigate the impact of losing a key pitcher during the critical final stretch of the season.
Meanwhile, the Astros are also monitoring the progress of another significant pitcher, Justin Verlander. The veteran right-hander has been on the mend and recently participated in a simulated game on Sunday. Verlander is expected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments before rejoining the Astros, likely in the middle of the month. His return would provide a timely boost to the rotation, especially in the wake of McCullers' continued absence.
The Astros' path to the postseason is fraught with challenges, and the loss of Lance McCullers Jr. is undoubtedly a significant hurdle. However, with strategic acquisitions like Kikuchi and the potential return of Verlander, the team remains focused on maintaining their competitive edge. The hope is that, despite these setbacks, the Astros can continue their pursuit of another successful season, relying on their depth and resilience to overcome the obstacles ahead.