The Milwaukee Brewers have activated right-handed pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. from the 15-day injured list, with manager Pat Murphy announcing the veteran will initially work out of the bullpen. Acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros on July 15, McCullers brings championship experience to a rotation currently thinned by multiple injuries.
A New Role for a Postseason Veteran
For Lance McCullers Jr., the transition to Milwaukee marks a significant departure from his career as a lifelong Houston Astro. Since his major league debut in 2015, the 32-year-old right-hander has made 148 of his 154 career appearances as a starting pitcher, according to reporting from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Despite that history, manager Pat Murphy signaled that the team will utilize him in relief to start his tenure in Wisconsin.
McCullers, who has not pitched in the majors since May 13 due to a rotator cuff impingement, arrives with a reputation for clutch performances, including his iconic 24-straight curveball sequence in Game 7 of the 2017 ALCS. As SI reported, his legacy in Houston is cemented by two World Series titles and an enduring bond with the city’s fans, though his career has been frequently interrupted by significant injuries, including missed seasons in 2019, 2023, and 2024.
Strategic Depth for a Banged-Up Rotation
The acquisition of McCullers and left-hander Colton Gordon serves as a calculated gamble for a first-place Brewers team facing mounting pressure on its starting staff. Brandon Woodruff was recently moved to the 60-day injured list after an MRI revealed a new injury to his anterior capsule, while Kyle Harrison remains sidelined with forearm tightness.
| Player | Status/Injury |
|---|---|
| Brandon Woodruff | 60-day IL (shoulder) |
| Kyle Harrison | IL (forearm tightness) |
| Quinn Priester | Out for season (thoracic outlet surgery) |
| Jacob Misiorowski | Returning from arm fatigue |
The deal functions partly as a salary maneuver. By taking on a portion of McCullers’ $17 million salary—with the Brewers paying approximately $2.5 million of the remaining balance—Milwaukee was able to acquire Gordon without parting with top-tier prospect capital.
The Decision to Waive No-Trade Rights
McCullers’ decision to accept the trade was influenced by his personal network. In a conversation with reporters, he revealed that he reached out to former Brewers closer Josh Hader before agreeing to waive his no-trade clause. Actually when the Astros had brought up Milwaukee and asked me if I was willing to waive the no-trade, one of the first calls I made was to Josh,
McCullers shared, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The veteran righty also noted his familiarity with current teammate Logan Henderson, with whom he trained in the Houston area during the offseason.
Looking Toward the Stretch Run
As the team prepares for a critical series against the New York Mets, the immediate focus is on integrating McCullers and stabilizing the bullpen. The roster move prompted the optioning of Jared Koenig to Triple-A Nashville, marking the first time the lefty has been sent down in two years. With the trade deadline approaching in roughly two weeks, the Astros utilized this move to clear payroll flexibility, while the Brewers are banking on their pitching laboratory’s ability to help McCullers refine his mechanics.
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