mlb

Astros' McCullers Shows Promise in Spring Debut

Lance McCullers Jr. delivered a promising 8-pitch Grapefruit League debut for the Houston Astros, showcasing improved fastball velocity after a difficult 2025 season.

McCullers' second pitch of the game was a four-seam fastball clocked at 93.2 MPH, a significant improvement from last season when he struggled to break 91 MPH on his fastballs. The ability to throw both his sinker and four-seam effectively allowed him to get quick outs, something he couldn't do in 2025 when he relied heavily on his knuckle curve and slider.

After a season plagued by velocity issues and command problems, McCullers' performance offers hope for his role with the Astros in 2026. While many questions about his future with the team remain, the improved velocity shown in his spring debut provides a positive sign as he works to regain his form.