Houston Astros Set to Roar in MLB: McCullers, Imai, and Relief Pitcher Ignite!
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros pitches during a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 10, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Astros clobbered the Pirates earlier today 10-2, beating up on SP Mitch Keller.
Keller has been a solid starter for the last 4 seasons. Lance McCullers Jr. had another encouraging start, this time going 4 innings.
He allowed 1 run on 3 hits, walking 3 and striking out 1, with a hit batter. He was clearly working on certain pitches at certain points in the game. He threw 31 of his 58 pitches for strikes.
Lance primarily worked 92-93 with fastball, but twice hit 94+, once at 94. 1, and once at 94. 4.
He appeared at times to be focused on refining his cutter. McCullers looks to be in line to be a part of the starting rotation. While there has been some recent consternation of whether the Astros will employ a 5 or 6 man rotation, it would seem McCullers will be, at worst, the Astros 5th starter until he shows he cannot handle the job.
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