Ronel Blanco and Lance McCullers Jr. took steps toward rejoining the Astros’ pitching staff on Friday. Blanco made his first rehab start in a Florida Complex League game in West Palm Beach, while McCullers threw a live batting practice session at Daikin Park.
Blanco struck out five while allowing one hit and one walk over three scoreless innings against the Florida Complex League affiliate of the Miami Marlins. He retired the final five batters he faced.
The 32-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy
John surgery with an internal brace and a repair to his right forearm last June. He finished the 2024 season with a 2.80 ERA and threw a no-hitter in his first start of the year.
Astros manager Joe Espada said Blanco could make his next rehab start with Double-A Corpus Christi if he comes out of Friday’s outing feeling good.
McCullers, who has been on the injured list since May 16 with a right rotator cuff impingement, threw a 25-pitch live BP against Taylor Trammell and Brice Matthews.
“It was good,” McCullers said. “Was in the zone a lot. (Haven’t) thrown sliders in a while, so sliders were really good, changeup was good, so when you don’t face hitters for a long time it’s more like trying to be in the zone, and that was accomplished.”
McCullers said his velocity was “low 90s”, which was his target. He’ll either throw another live BP or begin a rehab assignment next.
Cristian Javier is another pitcher nearing a return. The right-hander has been on the IL since April 9 with a Grade 2 shoulder strain, and Espada said he’ll start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday in Albuquerque.
