GOOD NES;’ Veteran Astros Pitcher Explains How His Return Has Changed…
The Houston Astros are attempting to erase the disappointment of last season.
Many people did not expect to lose Game 7 of the ALCS at home.
But that’s exactly what occurred in Houston.
Losing that series, particularly against bitter rivals the Texas Rangers, prompted the Astros to go aggressive this offseason.
The major change they made was to upgrade their bullpen.
They signed closer Josh Hader to a large contract, and he will now take over the ninth inning.
However, the Astros do have a starting pitcher who is recovering from a significant injury.
According to Chandler Rome, Lance McCullers Jr. is quickly recovering from flexor tendon surgery he had last year, which was reportedly expected to take 13-15 months.
However, McCullers stated that he hopes to be on a rehab assignment in “late June or early July.”
McCullers is a potential starting pitcher who has suffered several injuries throughout his career.
If he can get healthy, he will be a valuable asset to the Astros later in the season.
The Astros have injury worries across their starting rotation.
Justin Verlander is rehabbing from a shoulder injury and may miss the start of the season.
Additionally, they have pitcher Luis Garcia, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
But the Astros can always rely on their great lineup to pick up the slack.
This squad should have little issue scoring runs in 2024, which is why they will be World Series contenders.
The sooner they get their rotation back to full strength, the better their prospects of returning to the Fall Classic.