HOUSTON — Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has encountered another hurdle in his recovery journey following elbow surgery. The seasoned pitcher, who was slated to participate in a minor league rehabilitation game, was sidelined due to a stomach illness.
At 31, McCullers had planned to take the mound for the Double-A Corpus Christi club. But according to Astros manager Joe Espada, a stomach issue required McCullers to receive intravenous fluids. This setback follows a lengthy period away from major league action, as McCullers has not pitched in the majors since his appearance in the 2022 World Series. On June 13, 2023, he underwent surgery to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur, and although he attempted a bullpen session shortly after, he experienced a setback, leading him to sit out for the remainder of the year.
Throughout his seven-year career with Houston, McCullers has achieved a record of 49-32 and maintained a 3.48 ERA. In his ongoing rehabilitation this year, he has participated in three minor league starts, posting a 4.70 ERA across 7 2/3 innings, striking out nine batters and issuing five walks.
In related news, the Astros have activated right-hander Forrest Whitley from the 15-day injured list prior to their matchup against the San Diego Padres. Whitley had been recovering from a left knee bone bruise. Now 27, Whitley was a first-round pick, drafted 17th overall in 2016. During his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land, he recorded a 7.36 ERA across 3 2/3 innings in four games.
Whitley previously made his big league debut last year with appearances on April 16, and September 2 and 4, during which he did not allow any earned runs. “Happy to have him back,” Espada remarked. “It’s a big arm, and we know he can come in and finish an inning or give you multiple innings.”
Meanwhile, right-hander Nick Hernandez has been optioned back to Sugar Land as the team manages their pitching roster.