Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, and Former Teammates Rally Behind Lance McCullers Jr. Ahead of Long-Awaited Return
Lance McCullers Jr. finally made his long-awaited return to the mound, marking his first appearance for the Houston Astros since the 2022 World Series—an absence spanning an astonishing 868 days. As he prepared for this monumental moment, McCullers wasn’t alone. A number of his former teammates reached out to offer their support and encouragement, a testament to the deep bonds forged over years of playing together.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, stars such as Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, Dallas Keuchel, and Martín Maldonado were among those who checked in with McCullers before his comeback. Their messages underscored the camaraderie that remains strong within the Astros’ fraternity, even as players have moved on to different teams and new chapters in their careers.
For McCullers, the road back hasn’t been easy. Injuries kept him sidelined for nearly two and a half years, forcing him to battle through an arduous rehabilitation process. But as he took the mound once again, he carried with him not just his own resilience, but the unwavering support of those who had been by his side throughout his career.
The messages from Correa and Bregman, in particular, highlight the lasting impact of Houston’s championship core—a group that has experienced incredible highs, including World Series titles, and challenging lows, like injuries and departures. Even with Correa now in Minnesota and Keuchel having moved on from Houston, their connections with McCullers remain strong.
For Astros fans, McCullers’ return represents more than just another arm back in the rotation—it’s a symbol of perseverance and loyalty. The relationships built within the organization continue to thrive, and with McCullers back in action, Houston hopes he can once again be a key contributor to their championship aspirations.
As McCullers takes the next step in his journey, he does so knowing he has the backing of not just his teammates, but an entire fanbase eager to see him reclaim his place among Houston’s pitching elite.