TEXAS — Starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.’s return during the season—he didn’t make his debut until August 13—and the calibre of his performance in eight starts to close out the regular season have been a surprisingly positive development for the Astros this year.
Many find this surprising, but not McCullers.
I’m confidence in myself and feel like I was going to throw the ball good as long as I came out of my rehab healthy, ” he added. “It appears that many other people are surprised, but I’m pleased with the season so far. Recovery has gone smoothly.
McCullers pitched six innings in the Astros’ 3-0 loss on Monday at Minute Maid Park, in his eighth and last regular-season start. He limited the Phillies to one run, six hits, and one walk while striking out five batters. With the victory, the Phillies secured the final National League Wild Card spot.
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This season, McCullers had a 4-2 record, a 2.27 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, 50 strikeouts, and 37 hits surrendered in 47 2/3 innings pitched. He missed the first 4 1/2 months while recovering from a right forearm flexor tendon strain sustained in Game 4 of the AL Division Series last year.
I’m just grateful that I made it back, he remarked. “I’ve been thinking for a while… I had no idea what this year would hold in store for me. I feel like I’ve been rather sharp since I exited the rehabilitation. I believe my work has been excellent. I ran into a few good opponents here, especially near the end. Given where I was only in July, it’s good to know where my stuff is.
Kyle Schwarber blasted a leadoff home run on the first pitch McCullers threw on Monday, and that was enough to defeat the Astros since Phillies starter Aaron Nola didn’t allow a baserunner until Yordan Alvarez’s two-out single in the seventh. Houston (104-56) was unable to tie the 2019 squad for the most victories (107), however the loss prevented them from doing so.
After that, I was generally solid, but the first pitch, you know, [I] probably should’ve thrown something different or executed better,” said McCullers, who pitched for the first time since September 21 due to sickness. “I thought my work was good. We have a little bit of a break, but [before the ALDS] we have another [series]. Although I thought my effort was excellent and I was pleased with the outcome overall, there is always room for improvement.
The 94 pitches McCullers threw included 40 sliders, 23 sinkers, and 15 changeups. He only threw 12 curveballs. His fastball reached a peak speed of 95.1 mph and averaged 93.2 mph. The Phillies’ 2-3-4 hitters Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto were struck out swinging by McCullers in the sixth inning to cap off a strong showing.
Dusty Baker, manager of the Astros, said “He threw the ball great.” “He was using his sinker and changeup. It was easily ejected from his grasp. It was obvious from the way it left his hand. If his arm is comfortable, he feels wonderful. He frequently uses his breaking ball. He threw the ball well, but Nola did so better, as I already stated.
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