Lance McCullers Jr. is poised to make his highly anticipated return to the mound for the Houston Astros this Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, marking his first appearance since the 2022 World Series. After undergoing surgery in June 2023 to repair his flexor tendon and facing setbacks in his recovery, McCullers is ready to take on this challenge, expressing a sense of excitement akin to a debut.

Having completed four rehab starts over the past month, McCullers showcased his readiness with a five-inning scoreless performance in his last outing. Despite acknowledging that he may need time to adjust back to major league competition, he feels confident in his physical condition and is eager to contribute to his team's success as the season progresses.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set to honor a historic feat in baseball history, recognizing the outfield trio of Ed Delahanty, Billy Hamilton, and Sam Thompson, who all batted over .400 in the same season in 1894. This unique achievement, which remains unmatched in Major League Baseball, will see their respective uniform insignias added to the bricks of Citizens Bank Park, joining the ranks of other Phillies legends. A ceremony is slated for a game against the Washington Nationals.

Delahanty leads with a .405 average, followed closely by Hamilton (.403) and Thompson (.415), solidifying their legacy as a prolific outfield during their tenure from 1891-95. While the trio played before uniform numbers were introduced, their contributions to the franchise will now be commemorated, enhancing the historical narrative of the Phillies' storied past.

As the MLB witnesses a surge in stolen bases, understanding the trends is crucial for fantasy players seeking an edge. Top base stealers this week include Luis Robert Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong, both showcasing their speed effectively. Teams like the Miami Marlins have become prime targets for base stealers, allowing the highest number of successful steals this season. Meanwhile, pitchers such as Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera struggle to prevent runners, making them favorable targets for fantasy managers.

Emerging talents such as Augustín Ramírez are also affecting base-running dynamics, as his promotion has resulted in increased attempts against him. The Cubs are capitalizing on these trends, recently stealing significant bases against strong defenses. On the other hand, teams like the Mets and Brewers have been effective in catching would-be base stealers, signaling caution for those targeting steals against them.

Lance McCullers Jr. returns to the mound for the Houston Astros this Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, marking his first major league appearance since the 2022 World Series. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed excitement about McCullers' comeback, acknowledging the hard work he has put in following his surgery in June 2023 to repair a flexor tendon and remove a bone spur. McCullers, an All-Star in 2018, has shown promising form during his rehab with 16 strikeouts over 12.2 innings in minor league starts.

With a career record of 49-32 and a 3.48 ERA, McCullers understands the weight of this moment, especially after missing significant time due to injuries since his MLB debut in 2015. His last outing was particularly impressive, with seven strikeouts over five shutout innings for Double-A Corpus Christi. With anticipation building, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how McCullers performs as he aims to reclaim his spot in the Astros' rotation.

As the Milwaukee Brewers face off against the Chicago White Sox, both teams are looking to shake up their seasons. The Brewers enter the game with a balanced record of 15-15, while the White Sox have struggled, sitting at 7-22. In a recent matchup, the Brewers secured a dominating 7-2 victory, propelled by Freddy Peralta, who pitched six solid innings allowing just two runs. Today's game sees Tobias Myers taking the mound for Milwaukee, while Shane Smith represents Chicago. Myers has a 4.50 ERA, and his recent outing was a mixed bag, with four walks in just four innings pitched. In contrast, Smith has been impressive with a 2.31 ERA and his last outing saw him throw five scoreless innings against the Twins.

The betting odds reflect the Brewers' current form and recent success against the White Sox, having won seven straight matchups. The moneyline favors Milwaukee (-163), with a spread of Brewers -1.5, and an over-under set at 7.0 runs. Key betting trends suggest that five of the last seven encounters have gone over the total, and the White Sox have covered in four of their last five games, making this matchup intriguing for bettors looking for value. Predictive modeling tools favor betting on the Brewers to win, while also leaning towards an over on the runs total. The matchup promises to be an exciting clash as both teams vie for momentum.