The Houston Astros face a challenging stretch as they navigate the remainder of the regular season without the services of one of their pivotal pitchers, Lance McCullers Jr.
McCullers has been sidelined due to complications stemming from off-season surgery. The surgical procedure, which took place last summer, involved the repair of a flexor tendon in his throwing arm and the removal of a bone spur. Unfortunately, McCullers' recovery has not progressed as hoped, and he has yet to begin a rehab assignment. Adding to the Astros' concerns, McCullers suffered a setback in early July, further delaying his return to the mound. As it stands, his chances of returning this season appear slim. "The Houston Astros will likely be without right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. for the remainder of the regular season," stated the team's bench coach, Joe Espada.
McCullers’ absence is acutely felt by the Astros, both in the regular season and in their postseason aspirations. Since debuting in the major leagues in 2015, McCullers has been a crucial component of Houston's rotation. Over his career, he has made 130 appearances, boasting a respectable 3.48 ERA and a 2.70 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His performance has been a significant factor in the Astros' successes, including their two World Series victories. Notably, McCullers started Game 7 of the 2017 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a pivotal moment in the franchise's history.
Injury woes have often plagued McCullers’ career. Despite his talent and contributions, he has only surpassed the 150-inning mark once, in the 2021 season. His next highest inning total was 128 in the 2018 season, further highlighting his battle with durability. Still, recognizing his potential and contributions, the Astros extended his contract prior to the 2021 season, inking a five-year, $85 million deal, which keeps him under contract through the 2026 campaign. McCullers is owed $34 million over the next two seasons, underscoring the team's investment in his future.
Meanwhile, the Astros have made strategic moves to bolster their pitching lineup amidst these challenges. The team executed a deadline deal to acquire left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, aiming to fill the void left by McCullers’ prolonged absence. Additionally, another key player, Justin Verlander, has been on the mend. Verlander participated in a simulated game on Sunday, a promising sign for the Astros. Projections indicate that Verlander will carry out a couple of minor-league rehab assignments before potentially rejoining the Astros mid-month. His return could not come at a better time for a team looking to stabilize their pitching staff heading into the critical stages of the season.
The absence of McCullers and the uncertain timeline for Verlander's return put the spotlight on the team's resilience and depth. Nevertheless, the Astros remain a formidable team, leveraging their experience and strategic acquisitions to stay competitive.
As the final stretch of the regular season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Astros adapt and perform without some of their key players. The emphasis on the team's depth and adaptability will play a crucial role in determining their postseason fate, making every game a test of their resolve and strategic planning.