Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. is not throwing from a mound, supervisor Dusty Baker knowledgeable reporters earlier than right now’s matchup with the Twins (relayed by Chandler Rome of the Athletic). Baker didn’t present any extra specifics, noting solely the membership will “take it sluggish with Lance till we all know that he’s one hundred pc.”
It’s unclear how vital this newest growth shall be — the Astros are as cagy as any crew about offering damage updates — however it represents a scaling again from the place McCullers was a pair weeks in the past. He’d progressed to bullpen periods in mid-Might however had moved again to throwing from flat floor of late. Basic supervisor Dana Brown lately pegged the All-Star Break as a free estimate for his return to a giant league mound; it’s unclear if or to what extent that timeline may now be delayed.
McCullers hasn’t pitched this 12 months on account of a muscle pressure in his forearm that was recognized over the offseason. It marked the continuation of arm points for the 29-year-old, who was recognized with a flexor pressure throughout the 2021 postseason. That value him till mid-August final 12 months. McCullers returned to make 11 begins between the common season and playoffs to assist the Astros to a World Collection title however sadly once more battled arm soreness over the winter.
The appropriate-hander additionally has a Tommy John surgical procedure in his historical past, having undergone the process over the 2018-19 offseason. There’s nothing to recommend he’s at risk of going again below the knife to handle the present problem however it provides another excuse for the Astros to be significantly cautious as they navigate any bumps in his restoration course of.
McCullers has confirmed a really efficient pitcher when wholesome. He owns a profession 3.48 ERA in 718 2/3 common season innings and has a virtually equivalent 3.47 mark over 72 2/3 postseason frames. He allowed solely 2.27 earned runs per 9 innings over his eight common season begins final 12 months. McCullers’ higher mid-rotation kind led the Astros to signal him to a five-year, $85MM extension in March 2021. That deal covers the 2022-26 campaigns. He’s making $15.25MM this season and shall be paid $17MM yearly over the following three years.
His absence is one among numerous rotation points for the Astros. Houston misplaced Luis Garcia to Tommy John surgical procedure earlier this month. José Urquidy is battling shoulder discomfort and won’t be again till across the All-Star Break. Cristian Javier, Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have been unbelievable, however the accidents have pressured Houston to lean on depth choices like J.P. France and Brandon Bielak in the back of the workers. There’s nearly no skilled depth within the group past that quintet, so the rotation figures to be a deadline goal space for Brown and his entrance workplace.
