Astros Place Lance McCullers Jr. on 15-Day Injured List

The Houston Astros have placed right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day injured list due to soreness in his pitching hand, prompting him to return to Houston for further evaluation. McCullers, who returned this season after nearly three years of recovery from flexor tendon surgery, has struggled with performance, posting a 6.88 ERA over 52⅓ innings and recently transitioning to a bullpen role. The injury adds to a challenging season marked by multiple stints on the injured list for various ailments, including a foot injury and a blister. The Astros have recalled left-hander Colton Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land as a corresponding roster move and promoted outfielder Zach Cole to bolster the lineup amid a tight playoff race. Despite McCullers' struggles and recent hand soreness, the Astros remain hopeful about their playoff prospects, as his absence is not expected to significantly impact the team's rotation. Questions remain about McCullers' ability to regain his prior form given his diminished fastball velocity and ongoing injury setbacks.