The Houston Astros have surged up the American League standings after a slow start to the season. They were hopeful that veteran pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. would return from injury before the season’s end. However, that hope was dashed on Sunday. Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that Astros manager Joe Espada indicated in his injury update that it is “safe to say” McCullers will be out for the rest of the season. McCullers last pitched in Game Three of the 2022 World Series, allowing seven runs in 4.1 innings, which the Phillies won. He did not pitch again in the World Series and began 2023 sidelined with a muscle strain in his throwing arm. After undergoing surgery, he has yet to fully recover. McCullers also missed the entire 2019 season due to Tommy John surgery. Despite a strong comeback in 2021, finishing seventh in Cy Young voting, he missed the start of the 2022 season with a right flexor strain. McCullers has faced ongoing health challenges and aims to return in 2025, along with several other starters.
Jose Urquidy and Cristian Javier are also out for the season, with returns expected in 2025. Justin Verlander is currently sidelined but working towards a comeback this season. With so many pitching uncertainties, can the Astros still make the playoffs?
Astros Playoff Chances
The Astros began the season with a 12-24 record, placing them last in the AL West and second-to-last in the American League as of May 8, the day they recorded their 24th loss. Their playoff chances dropped to 31.3%, according to Fangraphs, threatening to end their streak of seven consecutive playoff appearances. Since then, they have posted the best record in baseball at 45-30, erasing the Mariners’ ten-game lead in record time to take over the division. However, consecutive series losses to the Pirates and Rays have put the Mariners back in the division lead by just one game.