The Houston Astros announced Tuesday afternoon that starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. would return to the starting rotation and pitch on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB’s Brian McTaggart. It will be McCullers’ first appearance for the Astros since July 19 against the Seattle Mariners, when he left with a blister on his finger.
It’s been a long road back for McCullers even just to pitch this season, but that has even been a path with multiple hiccups along the way. The Astros’ starting pitcher spent time on the injured list earlier this season with a foot sprain as well.
However, after a positive rehab start with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys last Friday, McCullers did enough to earn himself a start back with the Astros this Friday.
What to Expect From McCullers on Friday
McCullers threw 80 pitches in his last rehab start and went five innings for the Space Cowboys. He only allowed one run on four hits and two walks and struck out five batters.
The Astros’ starter has struggled with his command this year with a career-high 5.9 walks per nine innings. However, he was able to throw 46 of his 80 pitches for strikes and earn six whiffs.
Lance McCullers Jr working to get back into action for the Astros.
pic.twitter.com/AiPKlG2BI3— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) August 16, 2025
McCullers will probably be allowed to throw between 80 and 90 pitches on Friday, and the Astros would love to get five innings out of their starter. Anything more would be excellent.
The veteran pitcher will likely be competing to stay in the Astros rotation in Friday’s start, as Houston has Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, Jason Alexander and Spencer Arrighetti, along with Luis Garcia nearing a return.
Valdez and Brown are locks, and Javier is pretty close to that for the rotation. Alexander has pitched extremely well lately, and has likely earned himself a spot. Then it comes down to Arrighetti, McCullers and Garcia for the final rotation spot.
It’s a good problem to have if you’re Houston, and the Astros hope the competition brings out the best in their pitchers. Whoever gets left out could be a solid piece to help out the bullpen.
