Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. will miss the entire 2024 season due to ongoing recovery from surgery on his right flexor tendon and bone spur removal in June 2023, marking his second consecutive season missed. McCullers, who last pitched in the 2022 World Series, had been progressing with bullpen sessions but was shut down in July after suffering a setback. Despite no new structural damage to his elbow, Astros' manager Joe Espada confirmed that it would be unrealistic to expect McCullers to return this season. McCullers, who has a career 3.48 ERA in seven seasons with the Astros, remains under contract through 2026. The Astros are compensating for multiple pitcher injuries, including Justin Verlander, who is on track for a rehab assignment soon. McCullers has faced several injury challenges throughout his career, including missing the entire 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery.