BREAKING NEWS: First-Place Astros Hit With Disappointing News on the Playoff Hero Pitcher….see more

BREAKING NEWS: Astros’ Playoff Hero Pitcher Faces Setback

The Houston Astros are grappling with a significant challenge as veteran pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right foot sprain, retroactive to June 13. This setback interrupts McCullers’ recent comeback to Major League Baseball after a lengthy recovery from multiple surgeries, including a flexor tendon repair in 2023. He had made seven starts this season, posting a 4.91 ERA over 29⅓ innings. His most recent outing was a five-inning, four-run performance against the White Sox.

With McCullers sidelined, the Astros are making adjustments to their pitching rotation. Rookie Ryan Gusto is set to start in McCullers’ place against the Oakland Athletics, while pitcher Jason Alexander has been recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to potentially start on Tuesday. Alexander has shown strong performance in Triple-A with a 1.74 ERA and is returning to the majors, where he previously held a 6.37 ERA.

This injury adds to the Astros’ growing list of pitching challenges, which already includes season-ending surgeries for Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski, as well as a broken thumb for Spencer Arrighetti. Despite these setbacks, the team currently holds a strong 41-30 record, leading the AL West and ranking third in the American League and seventh overall in MLB.

As the Astros navigate this challenging period, their ability to maintain their performance amid mounting injuries remains uncertain. The team’s depth and resilience will be tested as they continue their quest for postseason success.