The Houston Astros are bracing for the remainder of the regular season without their right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. The ace has been sidelined due to complications stemming from off-season surgery, casting a shadow over his prospects of making a return anytime soon.
Bench coach Joe Espada confirmed the dire situation: "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season." The complications McCullers faced arose after undergoing surgery last summer intended to repair a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and remove a bone spur. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback in early July and has not advanced to the point of starting a rehab assignment.
McCullers' journey in the majors began in 2015, and over his career, he has accumulated 130 appearances with a notable 3.48 ERA (118 ERA+). His capability on the mound has been emphasized by his 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, durability has been a recurrent issue for him. He has surpassed the 150-inning mark only once, during the 2021 season. His next highest innings total came in 2018, when he pitched 128 innings.
A key figure in two of the Astros' World Series victories, McCullers notably started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ahead of the 2021 season, the Astros exhibited their belief in his potential by extending his contract with a five-year, $85 million deal, locking him in through the 2026 campaign. McCullers is set to earn $34 million over the next two seasons, affirming the extent of the team's investment in him. With McCullers' recent setbacks, this investment is temporarily sidelined.
Astros’ Moves amid Pitching Woes
In light of McCullers' protracted absence, the Astros have made strategic moves to bolster their pitching lineup. The team executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, anticipating that his presence will help fortify their rotation as they approach the critical postseason stretch.
Meanwhile, the veteran Justin Verlander is on the mend and providing a glimmer of hope for the Astros' battered pitching depth. Verlander participated in a simulated game on Sunday and is scheduled for a couple of minor-league rehab assignments. The expectation is that he will rejoin the Astros by mid-month, supplying a much-needed boost to their pitching staff.
Looking Ahead
While the loss of McCullers is undoubtedly a significant blow to the Astros, the team's depth and recent acquisitions may help mitigate the impact. The return of Verlander, coupled with the addition of Kikuchi, could provide the necessary stability to navigate the remainder of the regular season and beyond.
As McCullers continues his recovery, the Astros and their fans are left to ponder what might have been had their star pitcher been at full strength. His enduring impact on the team and pivotal role in past victories illustrate the kind of talent that is tough to replace, but the Astros remain steadfast in their resolve to compete at the highest level.