Astros Lose McCullers, Face Rotation Injuries

The Houston Astros have placed starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day injured list with a right foot sprain, following his recent return from a 2.5-year absence due to arm injuries. McCullers had posted a 4.91 ERA in seven starts this season before the setback. The Astros' rotation is severely impacted, with Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski both out for the season following Tommy John surgeries, and Spencer Arrighetti, Luis Garcia, and Cristian Javier also sidelined. Rookie Ryan Gusto will take McCullers' spot and start against the Athletics, while Jason Alexander has been recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land as a roster replacement and potential starter. The team is managing a six-man rotation through a challenging 13-game stretch without an off-day. Despite these significant pitching injuries, Houston remains atop the AL West standings.