Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker Provides Injury Update on Pair of Key Players

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker provided an injury update on both Michael Brantley and Lance McCullers Jr.

The Houston Astros are rolling, having won seven of their last 10. They are 36-24 and firmly in the mix for the American League playoff picture.

But as they look for ways to get better, a pair of internal options may still be a ways off.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, manager Dusty Baker gave a bleak outlook on both Michael Brantley and Lance McCullers Jr.

Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle had the information on Twitter:

Dusty Baker didn't have much of an update on Michael Brantley or Lance McCullers Jr. today. Said the team should know more about McCullers when it returns home from this road trip. Asked if McCullers is still throwing, Baker responded "I don't know that."

Dusty Baker didn't have much of an update on Michael Brantley or Lance McCullers Jr. today. Said the team should know more about McCullers when it returns home from this road trip. Asked if McCullers is still throwing, Baker responded "I don't know that."

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 6, 2023

Maybe "bleak" is a strong word when it comes to Brantley, but it's certainly not beneficial to have no update on a key part of your lineup. Brantley had been playing in minor league games but was shut down. As for McCullers, to not even know if he's throwing? Bleak.

McCullers has been out all year with an elbow strain.

Injuries are unfortunately part of the story for the righty.

He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entirety of the 2019 season and was only able to make eight starts in 2022.

McCullers signed a five year, $85 million contract extension with the Astros before the 2022 season.

When McCullers does pitch though, he's quite effective. He has a career 49-32 record with a lifetime 3.48 ERA. He made the All-Star team in 2017 and helped the Astros win the World Series that year, as well as in 2022.

Brantley is still battling a shoulder issue after undergoing surgery last season.

He's a career .298 hitter across 14 seasons and owns an excellent lifetime .356 on-base percentage.

In four years with Houston, Brantley has been better than those averages, hitting .306 with a .368 on-base percentage.

The Astros take on the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday at 7:07 p.m. ET.