Astros' Joe Espada reveals interesting Lance McCullers Jr. plan

Matt Sullivan

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Astros' Joe Espada reveals interesting Lance McCullers Jr. plan image

The Houston Astros have a good problem to have as the season begins to come to a close: they have too many options in the starting rotation. With Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez going nowhere, there are just three spots left.

Now that both Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti are back, only one spot is left open for the Astros' rotation. Jason Alexander, Lance McCullers Jr, and Luis Garcia make up the options for that final rotation spot.

Joe Espada, according to a report from Chandler Rome of The Athletic, revealed an updated plan for McCullers and the rotation, which would be an interesting solution to the crowded starting rotation in Houston.

Houston is Moving McCullers to the Bullpen

The Astros could go with a six-man rotation until Garcia is back from his long road to recovery from Tommy John surgery, but instead, Espada is making a change, sending McCullers to the bullpen.

"Lance McCullers Jr. is available out of the bullpen, Joe Espada said," Rome reports. "Espada characterized the decision as a 'short-term' move and hopes it can get McCullers going."

This might not be the final setup come October, but for now, the Astros are planning to utilize McCullers out of the bullpen.

He's had his fair share of struggles this season, as the 31-year-old pitcher, in 12 games, has a 6.89 ERA and a 2-4 record with 54 strikeouts in 48.1 innings of work. In those 12 starts, three were quality starts.

For McCullers, it's been a frustrating season. He's had multiple stints on the injured list and can't get a rhythm going in the Majors. This move to the bullpen, pitching more often in limited outings, could help get him back on track.

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With the potentially season-ending injury to Josh Hader, the Astros could use some more help in the bullpen. If McCullers can get back to his 2022 regular-season self, when he had a 2.27 ERA in eight starts, he could be a huge piece of the rotation or the bullpen.

After not acquiring any pitching at the trade deadline, the Astros need to see their veterans coming off injury to turn the corner. While both Arrighetti and Javier have had their struggles, both have been better as of late.

It's not a final spot for McCullers, but if he finds success there, he could have a new role in the Astros' pitching staff. Helping the team win in any way possible is the best path forward for McCullers, especially as he tries to find a stable role with Houston this season.

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Matt Sullivan

Matt Sullivan is a freelance writer for The Sporting News, predominantly covering MLB. Matt is a native of Pennsylvania and has worked with Athlon Sports, Last Word on Sports, and other outlets.