Brown on McCullers' surgery: 'We look forward to him being back on the mound next season'

Dana Brown, general manager for the Houston Astros, commented on Lance McCullers' forearm surgery last week.

Brown said, since the injury in February, McCullers has been unable to pitch without recurring pain and, due to his surgery, will miss the remainder of the 2023 season, according to a June 14 news release. Following this announcement, the Astros have acquired Joel Kuhnel from Cincinatti Reds.

"After the injury happened in February, Lance worked his tail off to get back on the mound. This guy is a warrior and did everything in his power to get back," Brown said in the release. "But each time he built himself up to an increased pitch total off the mound, the pain would come back. It’s unfortunate, but we look forward to him being back on the mound next season."

McCullers had surgery June 13 on a flexor tendon and bone spur in his forearm, the release reported. This was the result of an injury to his flexor tendon that occurred while throwing in the bull pen in February, an injury that first occurred in 2021 during the American League Division Series.

In his major league career, McCullers has achieved a record of 49 wins and 32 losses, maintaining an ERA of 3.48, according to the release. He has 800 strikeouts in 718.2 innings and has held opponents to a batting average of .215. 

Among starting pitchers with a minimum of 60 games started, McCullers boasts the lowest ERA in franchise history at Minute Maid Park, standing at 2.67 with a career record of 28 wins and 11 losses, the release said. Furthermore, he has showcased his prowess in the postseason, recording a 3.47 ERA in 72.2 innings, placing him second in the history of the franchise.

Sports Illustrated reported McCullers was concerned going into his surgery that he would be forced to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. According to the article, McCullers said, "going into surgery and you don’t know what you’re doing, and that was a bit nerve-wracking." 

Fortunately for McCullers and the Astros, Tommy John surgery was not needed, according to Sports Illustrated.

The Astros announced June 17 they moved McCullers to the 60-day injury list. They have also obtained Kuhnl for cash considerations. Kuhnel has appeared in 69 Major League games over parts of four seasons, has a 6.2 ERA and has pitched four seasons in Triple A, posting a 4.15 ERA.