McCullers Shows Promise in Grapefruit League Debut

McCullers appeared in his first Grapefruit League game of 2026 at Angel Stadium, throwing eight pitches that showcased a dramatic uptick in velocity. His second pitch, a four‑seam fastball clocked at 93.2 mph, was a stark contrast to last season’s struggles, when his fastball rarely exceeded 91 mph and he relied heavily on his knuckle‑curve and slider.

The Astros’ right‑hander also demonstrated better command, allowing him to get quick outs and avoid the deep counts that plagued him in 2025. While his role for the regular season remains uncertain, the performance suggests he may be a viable option out of the bullpen or even on the starting rotation.