Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is expected to make his long-awaited return to the mound on Sunday, which would mark his first appearance in a major league game since the 2022 World Series.
The Astros announced they will reinstate McCullers from the injured list this weekend, putting him in line to start against the host Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
McCullers, 31, last pitched Nov. 1, 2022, in Game 3 of the World Series in Philadelphia. He gave up all seven runs in the 7-0 loss to the Phillies in the series won by the Astros.
McCullers underwent surgery in 2023 to repair the flexor tendon in his right arm and remove bone spurs from his elbow. His rehab extended into the 2024 season but he was shut down last summer due to persisting pain in his surgically repaired arm.
He has made four rehab appearances, going five innings in his last one on Saturday.
McCullers is 49-32 with a 3.48 ERA in 130 career appearances (127 starts), all with the Astros. He made the All-Star team in 2017.
