Astros’ McCullers Jr. Delayed Again as Illness Derails Rehab Start

HOUSTON (AP) — Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. faced another hurdle in his comeback from elbow surgery when he was scratched from a minor league rehabilitation start due to a stomach illness. The Houston Astros announced on Saturday that the 31-year-old right-hander was unable to pitch for Double-A Corpus Christi.

McCullers, who hasn’t seen action in Major League Baseball since the 2022 World Series, underwent surgery on June 13, 2023, to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur. After a bullpen session last June, he experienced a setback and had to be shut down for the remainder of the season.

As he continues to recover, McCullers has made three minor league rehab appearances this year, posting a 4.70 ERA over 7⅔ innings, striking out nine while walking five. Astros manager Joe Espada confirmed that McCullers received an IV treatment, indicating he had not fully recovered from his illness.

“We’re hopeful for a speedy recovery,” Espada said. “He needs to get back on the mound as soon as possible.” McCullers holds a career record of 49-32 with a 3.48 ERA in his seven seasons, all with Houston.

In related news, the Astros activated fellow right-hander Forrest Whitley from the 15-day injured list before their game against the Texas Rangers. Whitley was sidelined due to a left knee bone bruise. The 27-year-old was a first-round pick in the 2016 amateur draft and had struggled in rehab assignments with a 7.36 ERA over 3⅔ innings.

“Happy to have him back,” Espada said, referring to Whitley. “It’s a big arm, and we know he can come in and finish an inning or give you multiple innings.” Following Whitley’s activation, another player was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land.