LATEST NEWS

Sept. 22: RHP Ryne Stanek activated from 15-day IL; RHP Joel Kuhnel optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land
Stanek, who threw a scoreless inning (one hit) in his lone rehab appearance at Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, was activated from the injured list. The righty had injured his right ankle while stepping on first base Sept. 4 in Arlington.

In seven games with the Astros after he was acquired from the Reds, Kuhnel has posted a 4.66 ERA, with three strikeouts and three walks.

Sept. 22: OF/DH Michael Brantley (right shoulder soreness) out of the lineup Friday
Brantley, who underwent right shoulder surgery in August 2022 and made his return on Aug. 29 of this year, was out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game on Friday. Manager Dusty Baker said before Friday's game against the Royals that he was available "in a pinch."

Brantley is hitting .262 with a .702 OPS in 42 at-bats. This is the first time since his return that he has not played in four consecutive games.

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INJURY UPDATES

10-day and 15-day injured list

None.

60-day injured list

RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right forearm surgery)
Expected return: 2024
McCullers, sidelined since aggravating his forearm injury during a bullpen session in February, won't return this year following surgery performed on June 13 to repair his flexor tendon and remove a bone spur.

The right-hander had rehabbed to the point that he was close to facing hitters in mid-May, but another setback ultimately led to surgery. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 18. (Last updated: June 18) More>>

RHP Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2024
Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery on May 19 and will miss the rest of the season. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 5. Garcia left his May 1 start against the Giants after only two pitches when he experienced pain in his right elbow.

Garcia, 26, posted a 2-2 record in six starts this season with a 4.00 ERA with 10 walks and 31 strikeouts and 27 innings. For his career, Garcia is 28-19 in 69 appearances (63 starts) with a 3.61 ERA, including 15-8 with a 3.72 ERA in 28 starts last year. (Last updated: June 5) More >>

Minor Leagues

RHP Forrest Whitley (right lat strain)
Expected return: September
Whitley suffered a right lat strain during a start on May 25 for Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros' No. 19 prospect and former top pitching prospect will be out three to four months, the club announced June 2.

General manager Dana Brown said on the Astros' pregame radio show on June 4 that Whitley could potentially be a bullpen piece upon his return. (Last updated: June 4)

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