Houston Astros Face Final Stretch Without McCullers
As the Houston Astros press on through the latter part of the regular season, they will be doing so without the services of right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. The prominent pitcher has been sidelined due to complications stemming from off-season surgery, dimming hopes of his return to the mound this year.
McCullers' road to recovery has been fraught with setbacks. Following a surgery last summer to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and remove a bone spur, the ace has not progressed to the point of starting a rehab assignment. In early July, McCullers faced another setback, further delaying his anticipated comeback. With a disheartening prognosis for the remainder of the season, the Astros are adapting their lineup and strategies in response to his prolonged absence.
"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. This stark reality has necessitated the Astros’ acquisition of left-hander Yusei Kikuchi at the trade deadline. The move underscores the team's commitment to staying competitive, even amidst significant roster adjustments.
Notably, McCullers has been a pivotal figure for the Astros since his major league debut in 2015. Over the years, he has made 130 appearances, boasting a commendable 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+). However, durability has been a chronic concern, as McCullers has surpassed the 150-inning mark only once in his career—during the 2021 season. His next highest inning total came in the 2018 season, with 128 innings pitched.
Despite these challenges, McCullers has left an indelible mark on the Astros' franchise. He was instrumental in the team’s success, contributing to two World Series victories and carrying the torch as the starter for Game 7 of the thrilling 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His talent was further recognized prior to the 2021 season when the Astros extended his contract with a lucrative five-year, $85 million deal. This extension secures his presence with the team through the 2026 campaign, with $34 million owed over the next two seasons.
As the Astros adjust to life without McCullers, there is a glimmer of hope with the recovery of another pitching stalwart, Justin Verlander. Verlander, who has been on the mend, recently participated in a simulated game, signaling positive progress. He is expected to carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments and is projected to rejoin the Astros sometime in the middle of the month. His return could provide a significant boost to the Astros’ rotation and offer some much-needed stability.
Joe Espada's acknowledgement of McCullers' likely season-long absence underscores the challenges ahead for the Astros. Yet, the team has demonstrated resilience, bolstering their rotation with strategic acquisitions and relying on the depth of their roster. The upcoming weeks will test their adaptability and resolve as they aim to maintain their standing and momentum.
As the Astros face the home stretch without one of their key pitchers, the focus shifts to how the team will navigate these uncharted waters. With a mix of seasoned veterans like Verlander potentially returning and new additions like Kikuchi stepping in, the Astros are poised to tackle the challenges head-on. Despite the adversity, Houston's eyes remain fixed on their ultimate goal—continuing their legacy of excellence and making another deep postseason run.