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2d ago

Lance McCullers Jr. Set for Rotation Return After Strong Triple-A Rehab Start

Dana Brown says McCullers will likely rejoin the rotation first, providing clarity to a pitching staff stacked with returning arms.

Image
Jul 19, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. (43) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
8/15/25
Jul 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) walks off the field after pitching during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Overview

  • McCullers logged five innings and 80 pitches for Triple-A Sugar Land, yielding one run on four hits with five strikeouts.
  • Astros GM Dana Brown indicated McCullers is expected to enter the major-league rotation before fellow rehab prospect Luis Garcia.
  • The veteran has struggled through 11 big-league starts in 2025, posting a 6.90 ERA and 1.74 WHIP amid recurring injuries.
  • His sinker and four-seam fastball velocity remains around 91–92.5 mph, raising questions about his ability to handle a full starter’s workload.
  • Houston’s rotation could feature Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Spencer Arrighetti and McCullers even as Luis Garcia and J.P. France near returns, prompting possible bullpen or spot-start assignments.