Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. begins rehab after shoulder impingement

Houston Astros right‑hander Lance McCullers Jr. threw 25 pitches in a live batting‑practice session at Daikin Park, his first work since being placed on the injured list in mid‑May with right‑shoulder inflammation. The team identified the problem as a rotator‑cuff impingement that had been affecting him for several outings.

Manager Joe Espada said, “This has been going on for a while… He’s been pitching through it. Usually with that post‑start soreness, he’s able to just kind of work through it, throw a bullpen, has enough time to recover — but this week hasn’t been quite like that.” McCullers is expected to make a minor‑league rehabilitation start or throw another live bullpen session in the coming days. Prior to his injury, he posted a 2‑3 record with a 6.86 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP over eight starts this season, while the Astros’ rotation carries a league‑worst 4.87 team ERA.

The update gives the Astros a hopeful path to bolster a pitching staff that has been heavily plagued by injuries this year.