Astros announces disappointing Lance McCullers Jr. news

The Houston Astros have reportedly placed Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day injured list due to right-hand soreness. The right-hander will go to Houston for further evaluation to know the extent of his injury. In a corresponding move, they recalled left-hander Colton Gordon.

McCullers' return to the majors has been turbulent. After missing almost all of the last three years due to elbow issues, the right-hander has failed to put a good showing on the mound. So far this season, he’s thrown 52⅓ innings, but with a 6.88 ERA. His strikeout rate is 21.8%, while his walk rate is 14.6%.

Given his struggles as a starting pitcher, Astros manager Joe Espada decided to make him a bullpen pitcher, only for short term. The idea was to let him built the rhythm before asking him to throw multiple innings.

However, McCullers Jr. hasn't done justice to the new role. In his last three outings, during whih he has pitched four innings, the right-hander has allowed six hits, four walks and three earned runs. McCullers Jr.'s fastball velocity has dipped to low 90s, which makes him vulnerable against strong hitters.

Important rotation move for Astros ahead of postseason

The Astros are going into October one way or another. Thus lining up the rotation is important. With Lance McCullers Jr. misfiring, his absence won't hurt the rotation.

Depending on the extent of McCullers Jr., the Astros will decide the way forward. Even if it's a minor issue, the Astros will make him start few games in the minors and monitor his progress. If he comes good, maybe the franchise takes the risk and add him to the roster again for atleast one or two starts.