Lance McCullers' Return Comes With Bad News for Astros

McCullers Activated as Astros Place Left-Handed Arms on IL

McCullers is also set to have a longer leash in the rotation due to the number of injuries the pitching staff has endured over the course of the season.

With McCullers activated on Friday, the Astros announced that Bennett Sousa had been placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, along with Brandon Walter being transferred to the 60-day injured list.

“More bad news for #Astros: Bennett Sousa has been placed on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation. Brandon Walter has been transferred to 60-day IL,” wrote KHOU’s Jason Bristol.

Astros Pitching Depth Takes a Big Hit With Injuries to Key Arms

Sousa had filled the left-handed reliever role in Josh Hader’s absence, and with him sidelined, the bullpen now looks especially thin.

Over 44 appearances—all out of the bullpen—Sousa had a breakout season with a 2.84 ERA, 5–1 record, 59 strikeouts over 50.2 innings pitched, and even collected four saves.

Walter had been an extremely reliable starting pitcher for Houston, who needed quality arms to stay in the division race. He suffered a setback in his rehab process and was shut down from throwing on Monday. Now that he’s been transferred to the 60-day injured list, he may not return during the regular season.

The 23-year-old southpaw posted a 3.35 ERA over nine starts in his first opportunity as a starting pitcher.

With just under two months remaining in the regular season and a slim 2.0-game lead over the Seattle Mariners, Houston’s depth will be especially tested.