The injury bug has seemingly been addicted to the Houston Astros this year.
Yordan Alvarez is still awaiting his return from his hand injury, Isaac Paredes is out for the time being with a hamstring, Jeremy Pena has spent a little bit on the injured list, and now closer Josh Hader has hit the list.
However, an unlikely hero from the injured list seems to be emerging with Triple-A Sugar Land.
Starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.
I can hear the groans of Astros fans already, especially given that this isn’t even McCullers’ first time this season on the IL, but his Triple-A line isn’t bad by his standards as of late. His velocity is still a thing of the past right now, but the rest of his stats are relatively promising.
In five innings pitched in the minors, McCullers has allowed four hits, one earned run, and struck out five.
Though the former All-Star will likely need another rehab start or two before he rejoins Joe Espada’s team, the team will be hoping that McCullers still has a little bit of his former self within whenever he does return, because is fighting a losing battle atop the AL West standings, the Seattle Mariners hot on the team’s heels as the Astros could still use a solid no. 3 starting pitcher in the rotation.
Even if that no. 3 pitcher currently holds a 6.90 earned run average.
