Latest Astros injury updates for Odorizzi, McCullers

Jake Odorizzi and Lance McCullers Jr. spoke with reporters Friday regarding their respective rehab progressions and possible returns to the Astros.

After being carted off the field May 16 at Fenway Park, Jake Odorizzi looked to be out of the Houston Astros‘ plans for the remainder of the 2022 season. Speculation of lower-leg discomfort grew into heavier concerns, but the right-hander continues to throw off a mound nearly two weeks later.

Odorizzi threw 41 pitches in two innings of a bullpen Friday in Seattle, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported. The right-hander threw two different sessions with McCullers pitching between to replicate innings.

Odorizzi didn’t distinguish the other non-throwing hurdles he must overcome before his return to live action, while a rehab assignment date was also not disclosed. The 32-year-old mentioned strength and consistent mechanics as things he’s looking for nearing the finish line of his rehab.

“It’s getting back to everything being normal,” Odorizzi told reporters Friday. “So while I’m able to get past those or are getting in the same spot as I was beforehand, not trying to change mechanics or being more cautious in certain areas.”

For McCullers, the 60-day injured listed hurler threw from the rubber for the first time Friday, according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. McCullers reached the low 80s in velocity — previously in the 70s — mixing in sinkers, four-seam fastballs and changeups.

In terms of a normal offseason, the right-hander described his rehab progression around mid-January, while it’s too early to know a timeline of a return. McCullers hasn’t pitched in live action since Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox.

McCullers also discussed the current state of the Astros, mentioning how others count out the current record leaders in the American League West.