The Houston Astros are finalizing a trade to send right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.
The two-time World Series winner and former American League All-Star has pitched only 39 1/3 innings this season, posting a 2-3 record with a 6.86 ERA in eight starts.
McCullers, 32, has been on the 15-day injured list since May 21 with right shoulder inflammation. He earns $17 million this season in the final campaign of his five-year, $85 million contract.
The Athletic reported McCullers has waived his no-trade clause. The Astros will pay down a portion of what’s remaining on his contract, USA Today reported.
The New York Post reported that left-hander Colton Gordon, 27, also will move to Milwaukee in the deal. Gordon has surrendered 12 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings this season.
McCullers is 53-40 with a 3.85 ERA in 154 career games (148 starts) with the Astros since 2015. He was an All-Star in 2017 and won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022, but missed three entire seasons (2019, 2023-24) due to injuries.
The Brewers’ starting rotation has been affected by several injuries recently. Kyle Harrison (8-2, 3.01) sits on the 15-day IL while Brandon Woodruff (2-2, 2.98) recently joined the 60-day IL. Logan Henderson (3-1, 3.18) returned to active duty July 9 after missing six weeks.
