The Houston Astros are hoping to wash away the disappointment of last season.
Losing Game 7 of the ALCS at home is not something that many people expected.
But, that is what happened in Houston.
Losing that series, especially to their rivals in the Texas Rangers, led the Astros to be aggressive this offseason.
The big move they made was to improve their bullpen.
They signed closer Josh Hader to a big deal and he will now take over the ninth inning.
But the Astros also have a starting pitcher who is recovering from a major injury.
According to Chandler Rome, Lance McCullers Jr. is swiftly recovering from flexor tendon surgery he underwent last year that initially had a 13-15 month recovery period.
But, McCullers said he is hoping to be on a rehab assignment in “late June or early July.”
On @FoulTerritoryTV, Lance McCullers Jr. said his flexor tendon surgery has a 13-15 month recovery. He had surgery last June 13. McCullers said his goal is to "aim for that 13-month timeline." He said going on a rehab assignment in "late June, early July would be a big W for me"
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 11, 2024
McCullers is a promising starting pitcher who has battled numerous injuries in his career.
If he can get back healthy, he will be a significant addition for the Astros later in the season.
The Astros have injury concerns all over their starting rotation.
Justin Verlander is recovering from a shoulder injury and he could miss the start of the season.
Also, they have pitcher Luis Garcia who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
But the Astros will always be able to lean on their elite lineup to pick up the slack.
This team should have no problem scoring runs in 2024 and that is why they will be World Series threats.
The quicker they get their rotation back to full health, the better their chances are of getting back to the Fall Classic.
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