MLB: Astros' Ace Pitcher Makes Triumphant Return to mound After 1,000-Day Absence

Given that it has now been 915 days since Lance McCullers Jr. donned the Astros When he took the mound in a notable MLB game after wearing his uniform, the opportunity to pitch again after being sidelined for two and a half years was more meaningful to him than any other accomplishment from that Sunday afternoon.

McCullers In his first appearance since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series, he endured 87 pitches despite having trouble with his slider. He still managed to pitch for 3 2/3 innings without giving up any runs at Rate Field as the Astros lost to the White Sox 5-4 in just under 6 1/2 innings. The match was paused due to a rain delay lasting an hour and twenty minutes.

Lance threw two singles in the first inning and managed to get out of trouble following two walks and being hit by a batter (all with two outs) in the second. Following a clean third inning, he gave up a double. Andrew Vaughn To start the fourth inning with a walk Joshua Palacios with two outs. Tayler Scott replaced him and secured the last out in the fourth inning.

I believe he went out and gave it his all, said Joe Espada , the Astros manager. I felt immense joy and great pride for him. I understand there were many feelings involved, a lot weighing on his thoughts. However, I believe he performed admirably.

McCullers missed the 2019 campaign following Tommy John surgery. He damaged his flexor tendon during Game 4 of the 2021 American League Division Series against the White Sox in Chicago and spent most of the following season in rehab.

In June 2023, he had surgery to fix a flexor tendon. He faced a setback during the previous season but later recovered through rehabilitation, which allowed him to participate in a Grapefruit League game this spring.