Brewers DFA Former All-Star After Just 2 Appearances

The Milwaukee Brewers were looking to bolster their pitching staff for the stretch run 11 days ago when they executed a trade with the Houston Astros for nine-year veteran Lance McCullers. But after watching him pitch for them just twice, the Brew Crew have bid adieu to him, designating him for assignment. It's the first DFA of McCullers' career. 

Brewers have DFA'd Lance McCullers

He made two relief appearances for Milwaukee, allowing two earned runs in 4.2 innings while striking out five and allowing three hits and five walks https://t.co/r8uQPxjvRD pic.twitter.com/YFyk5JAYei

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 26, 2026

In 4.2 innings, he allowed two earned runs on three hits and five walks with five strikeouts.

Overall on the season, McCullers has a 6.55 ERA across 44 innings, most of them with the Houston Astros.

The trade to acquire him was a shot in the dark for Milwaukee, as the 32-year-old has struggled significantly over the past four seasons after serious injuries derailed his career. They dealt Single-A prospect Jadyn Fielder, son of former longtime Brewers slugger Prince Fielder, to Houston in return for McCullers.

For the first five years of his career (2016 - 2021), McCullers had a 3.65 ERA in over 500 innings, going 45-32, and earning an All-Star nod in 2017. 

But he missed nearly three full seasons from 2022 through 2024, and has posted a 6.52 ERA in 99 innings since returning in 2025. 

His five-year, $85 million contract expires at the end of the season, and he'll become a free agent.