Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has the ability to be a frontline starter when he’s on the mound. The problem is, he has had trouble staying healthy over the last few years.

Arguably, his biggest injury happened in 2021 when he suffered a flexor tendon strain. He attempted a comeback without surgery, but that failed, and he did not pitch much in 2022.

In 2023, he would suffer a muscle strain while ramping up for the season. He would then have to get surgery and miss the 2024 season, but he did return last year, pitching in 16 games, but struggled getting back into the swing of things.

Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. ‘locked in’ as he enters final year of contract

The 2026 season will be an important one. Lance McCullers Jr. will be entering the final year of his five-year extension, and he needs to have a good and healthy year.

According to Dana Brown, the veteran pitcher is “locked in” as he enters the final year of his extension. He is excited to see what McCullers can make of the upcoming season, via The Athletic’s Chandler Rome.

“He’s got something to prove to the baseball world that he’s still Lance McCullers and he can get after it. I’m kind of excited about seeing him in spring training to be honest.”

If Houston wants to put to bed a miserable 2025 season, they will need McCullers to be at his best. Getting back to where he was before the injuries would be a massive help for the Astros, who are likely losing Framber Valdez on the open market.

Do not be surprised if McCullers takes it upon himself to lead the starting rotation this upcoming season. He has the skill set to do so; he just needs to stay healthy for the entire season.

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