Report: Houston Astros' Lance McCullers Two Simulated Innings From Next Rehab Step

Lance McCullers Jr. threw two simulated innings Tuesday, the Houston Astros righty is scheduled for more Saturday.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Lance McCullers Jr. threw around 37 pitches Tuesday across up-downs — two simulated innings. The Houston Astros righty is scheduled for two more live innings Saturday, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle

McCullers is on the 60-day injured list with a right-forearm strain he suffered in Game 4 of the 2021 American League Division Series. The 28-year-old is expected to return in August to a rotation currently housing six-healthy starters.

Last season, McCullers finished seventh in American League Cy Young voting, sporting the lowest hits per nine innings (6.8) and the lowest home runs per nine innings (0.7) in the AL. 

Rome also reported Justin Verlander is not with the Astros in Anaheim. Verlander is away with a "family issue." The 39-year-old is also "unlikely" to pitch in the All-Star Game, manager Dusty Baker told reporters Tuesday.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

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  2. Report: Houston Astros Pitching Prospect Whitley Suffered "Upper Bicep Inflammation"
  3. Four Houston Astros Set to Join Altuve at 2022 All-Star Game
  4. Houston Astros Look for Seventh Straight Series Win As They Play Angels
  5. Astros' Rookie Korey Lee Drives Three Home in Win Over A's
  6. Houston Astros' Prospect Hunter Brown Climbs Baseball America's Top 100 List
  7. Álvarez's Injury Could Hinder Astros' DH from Competing in All-Star Game
  8. FOCO Releases Houston Astros Platinum and Gold Glove Bobbleheads
  9. Astros Prospect Whitley Leaves Triple-A Start with Shoulder Inflammation
  10. Álvarez, Tucker Most Deserving to Represent Astros as Reserves in All-Star Game

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Kenny Van Doren
KENNY VAN DOREN

Kenny Van Doren is a writer for FanNation's 'Inside the Astros,' part of Sports Illustrated. Kenny formerly covered the Astros for Climbing Tal's Hill of FanSided. Kenny also attends the University of Missouri where he studies journalism.