Astros get unfortunate update on Lance McCullers Jr. injury

Houston Astros fans will have to wait longer for starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. to return from injury.

The Houston Astros have gotten off to a 5-4 start after the second weekend of the 2022 season. Justin Verlander has been stellar for the Astros thus far, providing hope for the team’s starting rotation. However, the team will not be getting Lance McCullers Jr. back from injury any time soon.

Unfortunately, the Astros transferred McCullers over from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list, as he continues to recover from flexor tendon strain in his forearm. The move was made to make room for Yordan Alvarez to join the 40-man roster, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Astros receive unfortunate injury update regarding Lance McCullers Jr.

McCullers suffered his flexor tendon strain during Game 4 of the ALDS against the Chicago White Sox. A return for Opening Day seemed doubtful, as manager Dusty Baker and McCullers himself said that he was “behind” in his recovery back in March.

Last week, there was an update that revealed that McCullers was playing catch. Yet, with the pitcher on the 60-day injured list, he will not be able to make his season debut until the first week of June, as he was initially placed on the injured list on Apr. 4.

Prior to his injury, McCullers recorded a 3.16 ERA, a 1.220 WHIP 185 strikeouts and a league-high 76 walks over 162.1 innings (28 starts) last season.

Astros fans should expect to see McCullers back on the mound in the summer.