The Houston Astros received a promising injury update on one of their star pitchers.
Lance McCullers Jr. provided an update on his recovery status, indicating that the Houston Astros may see one of their best pitchers return this season.
McCullers has three years left on his five-year contract, and when healthy, he’s been an excellent addition to an already strong rotation.
The right-hander has not pitched since the 2022 season, when he had a 2.27 ERA in 47 2/3 innings. He was completely exhausted before attempting to rehab without surgery. In June 2023, he underwent surgery to rehabilitate his flexor tendon and remove a bone spur.
He hasn’t pitched in nearly two seasons, and the expectation is that will change this season.
According to Chron.com’s Leah Vann, McCullers expressed his feelings as follows.
“We’re about two months into catch play, and things are going pretty well. I’m at a really good stage in the rehab where I’m confident in what we’re doing and how we’re progressing—and I’m excited to come back.”
After suffering with health challenges for the majority of his career, this procedure has the potential to resolve some of his long-term troubles.
It may take some time for him to regain his former form as a pitcher after these injuries. Fortunately for him, the Houston rotation should be able to keep him down until he can return fully healthy.
McCullers says he dislikes putting dates on anything, but he hopes to return by July. Returning then would provide a significant boost to the Astros as they prepare for their playoff push.
Having high-level arms available and healthy is the top objective for any competing team, and McCullers hopes to deliver that for Houston.