The Houston Astros have announced that starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. underwent Tommy John surgery today and will miss all of the 2019 season. This is a tough blow to their pitching staff as Dallas Keuchel is now a free agent.
Official release: Lance McCullers Jr. underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow today, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced. https://t.co/aVtUc2vr8D
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 7, 2018
In 2018 for the Astros, McCullers made 22 starts posting a 10-6 record with an ERA of 3.86 and WHIP of 1.16 while striking out 142 batters over 128 innings pitched. McCullers was also selected to the American League all-star team this past July. McCullers also appeared in the playoff efforts this year from the Astros. He appeared in two games against the Indians during the Astros sweep in the ALDS and three games in the ALCS where the Astros fell to the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
Besides appearing in 25 games for the Astros, McCullers has battled an injury bug over the past two years, missing 43 games due to elbow discomfort even though he came back to pitch in the postseason as mentioned above.
Days are long but years are short. I will be back better than ever, better believe that!!! Come back SZN starts now!!! ???????????? #SIUEFA https://t.co/9rTMVwLbgm
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) November 7, 2018
McCullers commented on the news today on twitter posting a message of motivation. Despite his absence and undergoing surgery today, he is expected to make a full recovery according to the Astros.
