AL West Check-In: Astros pitcher to make long-awaited return

## Lance McCullers Jr. Set to Start for Astros Against White Sox
After a long and arduous recovery, Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is finally set to return to the mound. McCullers will make his first major league appearance since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series in Philadelphia, starting against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

### The Road to Recovery
McCullers’ journey back to the mound has been nothing short of remarkable. The 31-year-old pitcher underwent surgery in 2023 to repair the flexor tendon in his right arm and remove bone spurs from his elbow. His rehab process extended into the 2024 season, but unfortunately, he was shut down last summer due to persistent pain in his surgically repaired arm.

Despite the setbacks, McCullers persevered and made four rehab appearances, showcasing his determination to get back on track. In his last rehab start on Saturday, he pitched five innings, a promising sign for the Astros.

### Career Highlights
Throughout his career, McCullers has been a formidable force on the mound. With a record of 49-32 and a 3.48 ERA in 130 career appearances (127 starts), all with the Astros, he has proven himself to be a reliable and talented pitcher. His impressive resume includes a spot on the All-Star team in 2017.

### Manager’s Expectations
Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his excitement about having McCullers back on the mound, saying, “I’m really excited to have him on the mound on Sunday.” Espada’s enthusiasm is understandable, given McCullers’ potential to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.

### What’s Next?
As McCullers takes the mound against the Chicago White Sox, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs after such a long layoff. With his experience and skill, McCullers has the potential to be a game-changer for the Astros. The team’s decision to reinstate him from the injured list this weekend signals their confidence in his abilities.

### Looking Ahead
McCullers’ return is a significant boost to the Astros’ rotation, and his presence could be the missing piece in their pursuit of a successful season. As he faces off against the White Sox, the question on everyone’s mind will be: how will he perform after such a long absence? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Lance McCullers Jr. is ready to make his mark once again.¹