Overview

• Lance McCullers Jr. pitched for the first time in 868 days, throwing a scoreless inning against the Nationals in a spring training game.
• The 31-year-old underwent surgery in 2023 to repair his flexor tendon and remove a bone spur, requiring a 15-month recovery period.
• McCullers expressed doubts about ever pitching again during his recovery but credited his family and teammates for their support and motivation.
• Astros manager Joe Espada and pitching coach Josh Miller praised McCullers' progress and anticipate his contributions to the team later this season.
• McCullers plans to start the season on a minor-league rehab assignment, estimating at least five more starts to build his pitch count before rejoining the Astros' rotation.