Lance McCullers Jr. Returns as a beacon of hope in a turbulent 2025 season for the Houston Astros. The team has endured roster shakeups and devastating injuries, struggling to find consistency in its pitching rotation. Amid the chaos, McCullers’ comeback offers renewed optimism.
After more than two years away from Major League Baseball, McCullers made a triumphant return on May 4. However, his recent outing against the Oakland A’s truly stole the spotlight and reignited faith in Houston’s rotation.
McCullers Dominates in High-Stakes Return
On Wednesday afternoon, McCullers fanned 12 batters over six strong innings in a 5-3 win against Oakland—far from routine, it was a bold statement. It marked his second straight game with double-digit strikeouts, bringing his total to 20 over his last two outings.
Even more significant? He threw 102 pitches, a sign of regained durability and trust from the coaching staff. Manager Joe Espada, visibly impressed, couldn’t help but praise McCullers’ performance postgame.
“He wants that leadership role back,” Espada said. “He wants to be in a moment where we can lean on him, and he gets big outs for us.”
Espada highlighted McCullers’ “nasty” breaking balls, particularly a curveball that induced 10 swings and misses out of just 14 pitches—a pitch that seemed almost unfair for opposing hitters.
A Rotation in Turmoil
McCullers’ resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. The Astros’ pitching staff has taken a major blow, with Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgeries. That’s two key arms down in just a few weeks.
Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have anchored the top of the rotation, while unproven young arms and career minor leaguers have filled the remaining spots. Houston’s bullpen has also been overworked, making McCullers’ ability to pitch deep into games a critical development.
Leadership and Legacy
McCullers is not new to pressure. He’s been a vital piece in Houston’s past playoff pushes, and now he’s hungry to take on the mantle of leadership again. His body language and postgame demeanor suggest a renewed sense of purpose.
“The first couple of games felt like I was climbing,” McCullers shared. “These two games feel much better. I was thrilled overall and pleased with the effort.”
His determination is more than words—his recent outings reflect a pitcher who’s healthy and mentally locked in.
What This Means for Houston
With McCullers finding his form, the Astros may have rediscovered their Big 3 in the rotation. Add him to the Valdez-Brown duo, and Houston’s postseason hopes suddenly look much less shaky.
Given the bullpen’s recent workload, McCullers’ ability to eat innings is essential. One extended outing like Wednesday’s allows the relief corps to reset and reenergize—an often overlooked benefit of a strong start.
If the right-hander continues to pitch like this, he could be the stabilizing force the team desperately needs. In a tight AL West race, every start matters—and McCullers looks ready to make each one count.
Can McCullers Keep It Up?
Skeptics may point to his injury history, and rightfully so. But baseball is a game of what-have-you-done-lately, and lately, McCullers has delivered. If he maintains this trajectory, the Astros could turn what seemed like a crumbling rotation into a formidable strength.
Houston doesn’t need perfection. They need consistency and a reliable No. 3 starter who can bridge the gap between rising stars and an overburdened bullpen. Right now, McCullers looks like that guy.
Final Thoughts
Baseball is as much about redemption as it is about performance, and Lance McCullers Jr. returns at a pivotal moment to write a new chapter in his career—one that could shape both his legacy and the trajectory of Houston’s 2025 season. If he remains injury-free and continues to pitch with this level of command and intensity, the Astros have every reason to believe they can make another serious run at the AL West crown.