Lance McCullers Jr. will rejoin Houston's rotation Friday in Baltimore after a month on the injured list with a finger blister. In 11 starts this season, he owns a 6.90 ERA, and this will be his latest comeback after flexor tendon surgery and a separate IL stint earlier in the year. McCullers threw five innings on 80 pitches in a Sugar Land rehab start and traveled with the Astros for their Detroit series, with coach Joe Espada indicating the blister is cleared for now.

Houston is navigating a busy 10-game stretch with no off day on the horizon, and McCullers could slot in as a sixth starter to help bridge the rotation. Cristian Javier, who left a recent start with illness, rejoined the team but the club hasn’t confirmed his next turn, leaving the Astros in a fluid rotation scenario as they head to Baltimore. The series marks a crucial test for how the Astros will manage innings and bullpen leverage as they chase wins down the stretch.

In the Baltimore set, the Orioles will try to slow the Astros' momentum, and fantasy managers will be watching McCullers closely for mixed league value. If he maintains health and pitches efficiently, he could become a speculative add in deeper formats, especially with the potential for a longer outing as he builds back stamina.