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3d ago

McCullers Nears Astros Return After Five-Inning Rehab Start

Brown said the decision between activating McCullers or scheduling another minor league outing hinges on his five-inning, 80-pitch performance.

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

  • Lance McCullers Jr. completed five innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on August 15, allowing one run on four hits with two walks and five strikeouts while throwing 80 pitches against Salt Lake.
  • Astros general manager Dana Brown said the club will decide between promoting McCullers for his next start or assigning him another rehab outing based on this performance.
  • McCullers has struggled through 11 major league starts this season, posting a 6.90 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in 44⅓ innings and enduring stints on the injured list for a foot strain and a blister.
  • Houston’s starting rotation faces a logjam as Luis Garcia, J.P. France, Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti are nearing returns, creating competition for limited roster spots.
  • McCullers’ fastball velocity dipped below 92 mph in his latest outing, prompting discussion of a shift to shorter relief stints that could ease his workload.