When Will Lance McCullers Jr. Return From The Injury List? Fantasy Baseball Injury Update

The Houston Astros are tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for the best team ERA in baseball at 3.31. The most remarkable about this is that they are doing it without some of their best arms.

One of those missing pitchers is Lance McCullers Jr.who has been out with an injury. There are questions surrounding his immediate future, and fantasy managers are asking when he might return.

How serious is his injury? When might you see him back on a Major League mound? Let's take a look at the reports to try and find an answer. 

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Lance McCullers Jr. Injury Update

The Astros are 28-21 and once again having another fine season. They are continuing their winning ways despite being torn apart by injuries more than just about any other team to this point in 2023. They only recently saw the return of their All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, and their pitching staff has been decimated. 

One of the key pieces in their rotation, McCullers Jr., hasn't pitched this season due to a right forearm muscle strain he suffered in spring training. Last year, in another shortened campaign, the 29-year-old compiled four wins and 50 strikeouts with a 2.27 ERA over 47.2 innings pitched.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said earlier this week that McCullers Jr. will remain out until around the All-Star Break. The talented pitcher was supposed to throw a bullpen session on Sunday, but instead threw from flat ground. Manager Dusty Baker told reporters it was not a setback, but that he will remain in Houston for the immediate future to continue working out with doctors. 

Lance McCullers Jr. Fantasy Baseball Outlook

The news surrounding McCullers Jr. is not too promising and fantasy owners need to start looking for a backup plan. Even if he returns around the projected timetable, there will be some uncertainty surrounding his durability and effectiveness moving forward. 

If you're an owner of his, and you have room on your IL, certainly hold onto the flamethrower. With starting pitching at a premium, it can't hurt to have insurance for the second half of the season should he return to form in July and August. 

With that said, there are too many question marks surrounding the "injury-prone" starter. McCullers Jr. also missed a big portion of 2022 due to injury, so counting on him would not be advised. The waiver wire should be your new best friend if you are short on starting pitching early in this fantasy season. 

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