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Houston Astros to be without Lance McCullers Jr. in World Series

By David Hill

Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning in game four of the 2021 ALDS at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (43) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning in game four of the 2021 ALDS at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Astros have been able to get to the World Series by patching their pitching staff together. Once staff ace Lance McCullers Jr. was lost during the ALDS, manager Dusty Baker had a tall task ahead of him. He managed to get through that loss in the ALCS, but there was always a sliver of hope that McCullers would return for the World Series.

Those hopes can officially be put to rest. McCullers’ arm just is not healthy enough for him to pitch in the World Series, as he is officially out for the rest of the year.

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McCullers had taken that next step forward towards becoming the next ace for the Astros. He posted an excellent 3.16 ERA and a 1.220 WHiP over his 162.1 innings. Although he did lead the league with 76 walks, he mitigated any damage by striking out 185 batters. He also led the American League by allowing just 6.8 hits per nine innings and 0.7 homers per nine.

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He continued that dominant form in the ALDS. McCullers held the White Sox to just one run on nine hits and three walks in his 10.1 innings, striking out nine batters. It is fair to say that his performance made a difference, and could be the reason why the Astros were able to advance beyond that round.

Fortunately for the Astros’ long term prospects, McCullers’ injury is not considered to be overly severe. It is muscular in nature, as he has a strained flexor pronator muscle, which will not require surgery. As McCullers has not even thrown since Game Four of the ALDS, it makes sense for the team to be cautious.

This is still a major loss. McCullers would be that top of the rotation arm that the Astros could count on, someone that would be able to line up against the best that the Braves could throw against them. Now they have to hope that Framber Valdez, Jose Urquidy, and Luis Garcia will be enough.

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The Houston Astros already knew that they could not count on Lance McCullers Jr. to be ready for the World Series. That became official on Sunday.

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