Houston Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers First MLB Game Since 2022 Ends In Fourth Inning

Houston Astros Starting Pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. last pitched in a Major League Game in the 2022 World Series. McCullers sat out both the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injury. In 2023, McCullers had a bone spur removed and then needed a repair of his right flexor tendon. His 2024 season was scratched due to numerous setbacks in his rehab. He was never able to come back from his 2023 injuries. 

The Path To the 2025 Comeback Game 

McCullers pitched in four games in the minor leagues before his start Sunday (May 4) against the Chicago White Sox.  Before the game, McCullers told the Astros’ Broadcast network there were times he was unsure if he would be back on a big league mound. He used phrases like “The Brotherhood,” and ”Being out there and around the guys” and “Being part of something” as the motivation to work through the pain to get back to the show. He felt like the game against the White Sox was similar to his MLB debut. 

Return: McCullers returns on a cold day in Chicago 

It was a cold, overcast game played in front of a small crowd at Rate Field in Chicago. The first inning back for McCullers: 

• His first pitch since 2022 was a sinker, a ball against Chase Meidroth, who grounded out to third base. 
• The second batter Miguel Vargas, singled to left on a liner over shortstop. 
• His first strikeout came on the next batter. 
• The inning ended with no runs on two hits, with two runners stranded. 

In the second inning, McCullers loaded the bases based on a single, a hit by pitch, and a walk, all with two outs. He got out of the inning by making Vargas fly out after reaching a 3-2 count.  In the third inning, a home run distant shot from Louis Robert, Jr. instead hooked foul and the starting pitcher took advantage of that break and completed a 1-2-3 inning. 

In the fourth inning, McCullers was removed after a walk on a close/questionable ball call. He had two runners on and two out. His pitch count was 87. Throughout the game, there were several pitches fouled off that moved the pitch total faster than a normal pace. 

Conclusion 

McCullers had four strikeouts, gave up three hits, and walked three. He did not get the decision. He left the game with a score of 2-0.  After the game, McCullers told reporters: “I was happy with the overall stuff. Physically, I felt strong through the game. Very grateful to just be back out with the team and be an active member.” The White Sox won the rain-shortened game 5-4 in seven innings.