Astros: Lance McCullers Jr.’s Injury Recovery Impeded by Lockout

Lance McCullers Jr. hasn’t pitched for the Houston Astros since his Game 4 start against the Chicago White Sox in which he lasted four innings and left with a forearm injury. Doctors have determined he doesn’t need surgery, and so, he is waiting for it to heal.

Lance McCullers Jr.’s forearm strain was pretty significant and Major League Baseball’s lockout has impacted him greatly in his recovery progress.

As the lockout continues, the players are not able to get the usual help and support they are used to getting at team facilities. Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston reported on McCullers’ status, as the Astros’ ace is bothered by the impact the lockout has had.

Players are not allowed to work with or access the team trainers, physical therapist or team facilities. Although many people can receive support elsewhere, it is important for the people who will work with and support his recovery, continued strength and health to have the primary role in his injury recovery and that isn’t currently allowed.

After McCullers’ received two full weeks of rehab, he is now left without team support to keep working towards a full recovery. As reported by Chandler Rome, McCullers said his Tommy John graft from 2019 looks good, and he will begin throwing again in about a month.

That information is a welcome sign to Astros fans who were holding their collective breaths when McCullers injury news first became public, fearing it would be a second Tommy John for their 2021 playoff ace.

With the welcome news that the graft looks good and healing is progressing with his most recent MRI coming back as clean, it would behoove the league with the lockout ending soon so that players healing from injury can be supported and get back healthy prior to spring training which starts in February.

McCullers was at the Houston Texans’ game on Sunday, where he answered questions on his injury among other Astros’ news. The one-time All-Star is excited to have Justin Verlander back and is hopeful Carlos Correa re-signs.