Unlikely. If there are no setbacks, my guess would be: He gets 2 innings (50 pitches) in one of the exhibition games Monday/Tuesday. He gets 3 innings (70 pitches) in a AAA start in Sugar Land’s opening series in Houston Mar 29-30. He gets 4 innings (90 pitches) in Sugar Lands road series at Durham Apr 4-6. Not ideal but there’s really no smooth schedule. He either rushes back, skips and does a simulated game, or goes on the road with the AAA squad. He joins the Astros for their home series against the Angels April 11-13.
I just watched Lance’s interview during today’s game. He said the plan is for him to hang back and start with 2 innings in a minor league spring training game on Sunday or Monday, then head to a minor league affiliate. That would then put him roughly on the timeline I outlined above, going 2 starts in AAA before joining the Astros in Houston for that series against the Angels.
My guess is April 16th in St.L which would be the first time a starter would need to pitch on 4 days rest otherwise.
It's an option. I saw another reliever has experience as an opener as well if they choose to go that route. I didn't catch his name, but he pitched last night. BTW, RISE AND SHINE YALL!
I watched some game highlights but they really only showed like 3-4 pitches from McCullers. How did he look overall? What was the velocity like?
McCullers' first outing since 2022 elicits standing ovation from teammates We're already back to classic LMJ: Spring training reports of him working on a change-up. He's flashed some wicked changeups in ST before, with incredible arm-side break. Pitchingninja clipified several of the attempts in the past. Then back to the regular season: 5 IP, 6-7k, 100 pitches of 97% FB's and curves. Tale as old as time.
LMJ has altered his regular season pitch usage a lot. His changeup was used about 15-20% from 2018 through 2022. That's a pretty healthy dose of changeups relative to the average pitcher. 2018, he got some good performance out of it. In 2021, he started throwing a slider about as much as his curve. In 2022, he upped his cutter from a surprise pitch to being used a lot more (still not used that much). He flipped fastballs at some point.
Missed his last rehab start due to stomach illness. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/lance-mcullers-stomach-ache-20284573.php He might pitch next for the Astros. DD
Looks like he was dominant... 5IP, 3 H, 7K's, 1 BB (only box score reading, don't know anything about his velocity or pitch usage). As long as the arm is sound, he will make a start for the Astros again.... and that was not something that anybody could have guaranteed at any point over the last two years.
