The Houston Astros were given a scare when starting pitcher Luis Garcia exited Tuesday's clash with the Toronto Blue Jays due to an elbow injury. It only took a few days for the Astros to diagnose Garcia with elbow inflammation that has resulted in a 15-day stint on the injured list, according to CBS Sports.
Garcia's injury would be concerning at any point in the season, but the fact that it occurred in September, and just two games after his return from Tommy John surgery, makes it even more troubling. He's been an important part of the Astros' bullpen since returning (1-0, 3.52 ERA in 7 2/3 innings), meaning it's important for someone to step up in his absence — especially when considering their other pitching-related woes.
As Garcia recovers from his latest injury, it's become increasingly clear that the Astros need Lance McCullers Jr. to regain his form.
Astros Need Lance McCullers to Bounce Back After Luis Garcia Injury
McCullers' outlook has been up in the air ever since he was moved to Houston's bullpen last month. A ballooning ERA was too much for manager Joe Espada to ignore, resulting in temporarily putting the 31-year-old right in a relief role. The plan has produced mixed results so far, as McCullers has already allowed two earned runs on four hits while issuing three walks in two relief innings.
It's safe to say the Tampa, FL native's stock is lower than it has been, which is why it's important to step up with Garcia sidelined. The Astros need their starting rotation to be firing on all cylinders ahead of the 2025 postseason, especially if they want to clinch the AL West, and having a bounce-back stretch from McCullers would help achieve that goal.
Although he's been frustrating more often than not, McCullers has had some bright spots this season. He had a four-game run from May 16 to June 3, during which he struck out 29 batters while surrendering only six walks and five earned runs on 16 hits, culminating in a 2.21 ERA. It's also worth noting that Houston won each of those games. The Astros certainly wouldn't complain if he got back to that level before September is over.
With the Seattle Mariners only one game behind them in the AL West race, the Astros need to try anything they can to grow the gap. If that means rolling the dice on another McCullers start, so be it. The upcoming series against the sub-.500 Atlanta Braves could be the perfect opportunity to attempt that experiment.
Hopefully, McCullers capitalizes on any opportunities sent his way. The Astros need him to live up to his potential, and successfully doing so would erase any ill will his season-long struggles have created.