by Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. will not be returning to the rotation anytime soon after the team announced he will undergo forearm surgery that will keep him out until next season.
It’s been a nagging injury for McCullers all year. He hasn’t stepped on the mound in 2023 for one game.
In an official statement, the Astros said McCullers will have his right flexor tendon repaired and surgeons will remove a bone spur.
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Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. reacts after allowing three runs against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
McCullers injured his arm during the Astros’ 2021 ALDS against the Chicago White Sox in Game 4.
The Astros added that it flared up during a bullpen session in February, and McCullers has been working his way back ever since.
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“After the injury happened in February, Lance worked hard to get back on the mound,” Astros general manager Dana Brown said in the statement. “This guy is a warrior and he did everything in his power to recover. But every time he got a higher pitching total off the mound, the pain would come back. He’s unfortunate, but we hope he comes back “. the mound next season.
José Altuve (27), Alex Bregman (2), Justin Verlander (35), Yuli Gurriel (10) and Lance McCullers Jr. (43) of the Houston Astros participate in the World Series parade on November 7, 2022 In Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
McCullers pitched well in his eight regular season starts in 2022, pitching 47.2 innings with a 2.27 ERA. However, he struggled in the postseason with a 5.87 ERA.
In his final full season in 2021, McCullers posted a 3.16 ERA in 162.1 innings (28 starts), working his trademark 12-6 curveball that helped fuel 185 strikeouts.
Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros reacts after allowing three runs against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Brown also mentioned that Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez will miss at least four weeks with an oblique strain.
