Overview

• Lance McCullers Jr. was activated from the 15-day injured list and is scheduled to start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.
• After missing two full seasons following flexor tendon surgery, he owns a 1–2 record with a 4.91 ERA in seven starts, including a 3.20 ERA and 35 strikeouts over his last five outings.
• Houston’s rotation has lost Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco to season-ending surgeries and has been without Spencer Arrighetti since April due to a broken thumb.
• The Astros optioned right-hander Nick Hernandez to clear a roster spot for McCullers’s activation.
• Despite the pitching shortages, Houston maintains a 6½-game lead in the AL West with a 3.41 team ERA tied for fourth best in the majors.