The Houston Astros face a setback as ace Lance McCullers Jr. has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a foot sprain, which is retroactive to June 13. McCullers had just made his return to the mound after a long recovery from hip surgery. In seven starts, he has struggled somewhat with a 4.91 ERA and a 1-2 record, with his most effective performance being a 12-strikeout game against the Athletics. Meanwhile, Ryan Gusto is set to step in as the starter for McCullers, aiming to continue the Astros' momentum after a recent sweep of the Twins.

The Astros' injury woes have compounded, with multiple starters already sidelined, including Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco, both out for the season post-surgery. The team's rotation was further affected by the loss of Spencer Arrighetti, who has been out since April. Houston will need to rely on its depth and the performance of Gusto and newly recalled Jason Alexander to navigate these challenges.