Lance McCullers Jr. recently celebrated a significant milestone in his remarkable journey back to the big leagues. After 868 long days away from the mound, McCullers faced batters once again, throwing his first pitch for the Houston Astros since his last appearance in the 2022 World Series. The overwhelming support from his former teammates, who reached out to him before the game, was a heartfelt reminder of the camaraderie that exists within the team.
Reflecting on his comeback after the game, McCullers expressed the deep emotions tied to his long and often lonely journey. “I don’t think people understand how long of a journey it’s been, how lonely it has been, how hard it’s been on me to get back to this point,” he shared with a sense of vulnerability. “It’s not an exaggeration to say that as late as last summer, I really thought I might never pitch again. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey for me, filled with ups and downs, but the desire to be back out there with my teammates is what kept pushing me forward,” he explained, shedding light on both the psychological and physical challenges he faced along the way (source: Brian McTaggart, MLB.com).
Returning to the diamond, McCullers started in a spring training matchup against the Washington Nationals. He delivered a stellar one-inning performance, allowing no runs, hits, or walks, and throwing only 13 pitches. His eagerness to return for a second inning was palpable, but manager Joe Espada made the wise decision to keep him in the dugout. After everything McCullers had been through, the Astros are taking a cautious approach to ensure his physical readiness and long-term health.
At just 31 years old, McCullers has fought hard to get back here. Since making his MLB debut in 2015, he’s faced a series of injuries that would have likely sidelined many other players. After missing the first half of the 2022 season with a forearm injury, McCullers made a triumphant comeback, playing pivotal roles in the postseason and helping the Astros clinch their second World Series title. Unfortunately, his triumph was short-lived; a muscle strain during the following spring training led to surgery for a flexor tendon, sidelining him throughout the entirety of 2023.
Regrettably, his recovery didn’t go as planned, leading to a setback during rehab. This caused McCullers to be shut down for the entire 2024 season—a year that weighed heavily on him. But with resilience in spades, he finally made his return to the mound, a day cherished and anticipated not only by him but also by the Astros community.
In his first outing in nearly two and a half years, McCullers showcased the sharpness of his skills, particularly his changeup. “I’m very bullish on the changeup,” he said, emphasizing its importance in his pitching arsenal. “It’s crucial to have a pitch that can steal outs and help me get back into counts. I even threw it on a 3-1 count to [CJ] Abrams—one that’s tough to throw, but I’m glad [catcher] Victor [Caratini] pushed me to do it.” This strategic mindset is novel for any pitcher, and McCullers’s confidence in his ability continues to shine through as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Though his spring training appearance marks a monumental step forward, McCullers’s path to a permanent return to the Astros roster is winding. He’ll be sitting out for the beginning of the season, placed on the injured list, as he gears up for a rehab stint. The plan is to gradually ramp him up, with hopes that he’ll make his official return to the Astros by late April.
For fans and fellow athletes, McCullers’s journey serves as an inspirational testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He embodies the spirit of not giving up, reminding us all that while the road may be tough, with persistence and the right support, making a comeback is always possible.
Image Source: Lance McCullers @ Instagram
