HOUSTON — Just a few days after the Astros made a move at the trade deadline to acquire starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, the club now says another starting pitcher will likely not pitch at all this season.
Astros manager Joe Espada broke the news Sunday that Lance McCullers is likely out for the rest of the year. McCullers hasn't pitched for the Astros since a 2022 World Series Game 3 loss to Philadelphia. He had forearm surgery in June of 2023.
"I've been talking to Lance a little bit and you know, where he's at right now, I think he's safe to say that I don't think it's his season," Espada said. "You know, it'd be almost too much to ask for him to ramp up and get him back this season. Everything is moving in the right direction, but just where we at right now, the number of games, I think it's, that's what we are."
The Astros have already lost starting pitchers Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy for the season.
Verlander back soon?
There was some good news, though. Justin Verlander threw live batting practice on Sunday ahead of the game against Tampa Bay. Verlander threw about 40 pitches. The plan is for him to throw another bullpen later this week and then if everything goes to schedule, he'll complete a few rehab starts before rejoining the big league rotation.