The Houston Astros have placed right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day injured list due to a sprained right foot, retroactive to Friday. This comes as a blow to the Astros, who lead the American League West but face a rotation decimated by injuries. McCullers, who had recently returned from two years away due to various arm injuries, has struggled this season with a 4.91 ERA across seven starts, showing signs of inconsistency.

Rookie Ryan Gusto will step in for McCullers as the Astros begin a four-game series against the Oakland Athletics. The Astros are also without other key pitchers, including Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco, both out for the season, and Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia, who are recovering from Tommy John surgery. With Jason Alexander recalled from Triple-A to fill McCullers’ roster spot, the team’s depth will be tested as they strive to maintain their position in the competitive AL West.