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Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. will not return to the rotation any time soon after the team announced that he will undergo forearm surgery that will keep him out until next season.
It’s been a lingering injury for McCullers all year. He has not played a game on the mound in 2023.
In an official release, the Astros said McCullers will have the right flexor tendon repaired and surgeons will remove a bone spur.
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Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros reacts after three runs against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Sarah Taurus/Getty Images)
McCullers injured the arm during the Astros’ ALDS 2021 against the Chicago White Sox in Game 4.
The Astros added that it was exacerbated again during a bullpen session in February and that McCullers has been working to bounce back ever since.
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“After the injury came in February, Lance worked really hard to get back on the mound,” Astros general manager Dana Brown said in the statement. “This guy is a warrior and did everything he could to get back. But every time he built himself up to a bigger pitch off the mound, the pain came back. It’s a shame, but we look forward to seeing him back on the hill next season.”
Jose Altuve (27), Alex Bregman (2), Justin Verlander (35), Yuli Gurriel (10) and Lance McCullers Jr. (43) of the Houston Astros participate in the World Series parade on November 7, 2022 in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
McCullers pitched well in his eight regular season starts in 2022, recording 47.2 at bats and a 2.27 ERA. However, he struggled in the postseason with a 5.87 ERA.
In his final full season in 2021, McCullers had a 3.16 ERA over 162.1 innings (28 starts), working his trademark 12-6 curveball that helped fuel 185 strikeouts.
Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros reacts after three runs against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 1, 2022 in Philadelphia. (Sarah Taurus/Getty Images)
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Brown also said Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez will miss at least four weeks with an oblique trunk.
Scott Thompson is a sportswriter for Fox News Digital.
