Astros Ace Lance McCullers Jr. Inches Closer to Return, Shifts Rehab to Familiar Territory
Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is taking a crucial step forward in his long-awaited return, bringing his rehab efforts closer to home. The oft-injured right-hander, who has faced multiple setbacks in his recovery, is expected to make his next rehab start this weekend—this time in Sugar Land.
As the Astros head back to Houston for an exhibition game and their final preparations before the regular season kicks off, McCullers remains in West Palm Beach, Fla., diligently working his way back from flexor tendon surgery. The procedure, which sidelined him for the entirety of last season, has kept Houston cautious about rushing his return.
The road to recovery has been anything but smooth for McCullers. Once a key force in the Astros’ pitching rotation, the former All-Star and two-time World Series champion hasn’t thrown a regular-season pitch since 2022. Given his history of injuries and repeated false starts in previous comeback attempts, the team is handling his return with extreme care.
Now, with his next rehab assignment shifting to Sugar Land, there’s renewed optimism that McCullers could soon rejoin Houston’s rotation. However, the Astros remain wary of pushing him too quickly, ensuring that when he finally steps back onto the mound, he’s there to stay.
McCullers’ journey back has been a test of patience for both him and the organization. As he inches closer to a return, Astros fans will be watching closely, hoping their beloved pitcher can regain his dominant form and provide a much-needed boost to the team’s pitching staff.