Lance McCullers Jr. is set to make his long-awaited return to the mound for the Houston Astros on May 4 against the Chicago White Sox, marking his first appearance since November 2022. The 31-year-old pitcher recently underwent surgery to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur, a procedure that took place on June 13, 2023. Astros manager Joe Espada expressed excitement about McCullers' comeback, noting the hard work he put in during his recovery. Historically, McCullers has been a reliable pitcher with a career ERA of 3.48 and a notable postseason track record, including a standout performance during the Astros' 2017 championship run.