Former All-Star To Make MLB Return After 3 Year Absence

The last time he was on the mound in a major league game was during the 2022 World Series. But now, after three gruelling years on the road to recovery, former All-Star right-hander Lance McCullers is ready to take the ball in the big leagues once again for the Houston Astros.

LANCE MCCULLERS IS BACK!! LETS GO!! #Astros pic.twitter.com/dAS90RG1QX
— Astros Future (@AstrosFuture) April 30, 2025

McCullers had surgery on his right flexor tendon in June of 2023, to remove a bone spur. The 31-year-old right-hander was hoping to come back last season, but a setback during a bullpen session and wasn't able to try again until he made a start in the Grapefruit League at spring training this year.

In his four rehab starts in the minors this past month, he has a 2.84 ERA with a 16:6 strikeout to walk ratio across 12 2/3 innings. His next start will be in the The Show this coming weekend.

“I’m really excited to have him on the mound on Sunday,” Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday. “He’s worked his tail off to get back to this point, and this whole entire team and this city should be excited to get Lance back.”

McCullers to make first start in 3 years this Sunday

“Been waiting for it for a long time,” McCullers said. “Almost feel like I’m making my debut in some aspects, but it’s been a really long road for me.”

McCullers has had an injury-plagued career since he was a first-round selection in the 2021 Draft. He also missed the 2019 season following Tommy John surgery.

Overall, in 7 big league seasons, he is 49-32 with a 3.48 ERA in seven seasons with the Astros.