Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. can't catch a break. The right-hander was placed on the injured list on Friday due to right hand soreness. This is the fourth time McCullers has landed on the IL this season, and it may end his 2025 campaign. The earliest McCullers could return to the active roster is September 27; one day before the final game of the regular season.
Though a return in 2025 is possible, given McCullers' track record, it seems unlikely. Given the litany of injury setbacks McCullers has faced this season — and throughout his career — coupled with his ineffectiveness, the Astros may be forced to move on from the 31-year-old this coming offseason.