McCullers Jr. Designated
Milwaukee Brewers Designate Lance McCullers Jr. for Assignment After Brief Stint
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Key Points
1
Houston offset most of McCullers' remaining salary by $4,227,273, leaving the Brewers with a net cost of $2.5 million.
2
McCullers’ Brewers stint included two relief appearances totaling five runs (three earned) over 4 2/3 innings, with his last outing vs. Colorado describing 1 1/3 innings with three unearned runs, one hit and four walks.
3
McCullers waived his no-trade rights to facilitate the deal with Milwaukee, a move that allowed him to change teams mid-career.
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He had been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation at the time of the trade and, unlike his years with Houston, his bullpen role with Milwaukee was new; he had started 148 of his 154 career outings for the Astros.
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Kyle Harrison is expected to make a rehab start for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers this week, with Thursday as the target date, as Milwaukee signs up potential returns ahead of the next homestand.
The Milwaukee Brewers designated Lance McCullers Jr. for assignment on Monday, less than two weeks after trading for him from the Houston Astros, according to JSON Online. The team recalled pitcher Garrett Stallings from Triple-A Nashville to fill the roster spot.
McCullers made just two relief appearances for Milwaukee. He allowed five runs over 4 2/3 innings before the Brewers pulled the plug, per The News & Observer.
Two Rough Outings Sealed McCullers' Fate
McCullers debuted for Milwaukee against the Mets. He gave up two runs in three innings and struck out four — a decent start. But his second outing, against the Colorado Rockies, fell apart fast. He lasted only 1 1/3 innings, walking four batters and allowing three unearned runs on just one hit, according to BND.
The poor Colorado outing pushed his overall Brewers numbers to five runs in 4 2/3 innings. That was enough for the team to move on. The DFA move opens a seven-day waiver window, during which other teams can claim McCullers or work out a trade.
The Trade That Lasted Less Than Two Weeks
Milwaukee acquired McCullers on July 15 in a deal that sent prospect Jadyn Fielder to Houston, per JSON Online. To make the trade work, McCullers waived his no-trade rights. Houston also agreed to pay $4,227,273 of his remaining salary, leaving the Brewers with a net cost of just $2.5 million.
There was a key wrinkle in the deal. McCullers had been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation when Houston traded him. His role changed too — he started 148 of his 154 career games with the Astros, but Milwaukee used him only out of the bullpen.
Cubs, Orioles, and Astros Among Possible Landing Spots
With McCullers now on waivers, several teams are being watched closely. The Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Houston Astros have all been mentioned as potential fits, according to Kentucky. A return to Houston — where McCullers won two World Series titles — is seen as one realistic option.
McCullers is a well-known name with a strong track record, but injuries have limited him in recent years. Teams will weigh his upside against his recent struggles and health history before deciding whether to claim him off waivers.
Stallings Returns as Brewers Eye Kyle Harrison's Rehab
With McCullers gone, Garrett Stallings steps back into the Milwaukee bullpen. He was recalled from Triple-A Nashville as the corresponding move, per BND. Stallings gives the team a low-cost depth arm as they wrap up their series against Colorado.
Looking ahead, Kyle Harrison is expected to make a rehab start for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers this week. Thursday is the target date, according to JSON Online. Harrison's return could give the Brewers a more reliable arm before the next homestand.
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