Astros' McCullers Jr. Returns with Velocity in Spring Debut

Lance McCullers Jr. threw his first Grapefruit League pitch of 2026 at 93.2 MPH, offering a positive sign after a rough 2025.

The eight-pitch debut was encouraging as the pitcher showed he could throw his four-seam fastball. After last season's struggles with low velocity and command, McCullers' improved performance suggests he might still have gas left in the tank for the Astros.