Lance McCullers (back) to rejoin Astros' rotation next week

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers (back) is on track to return to the rotation Tuesday or Wednesday in Seattle against the Mariners.

What It Means:

McCullers hasn't pitched a major-league inning since July 30 due to a back injury, and he's given up 5 runs on 8 hits with 6 walks over 8 innings in a pair of rehab starts. The 23-year-old right-hander isn't a recommended fantasy bet down the final stretch of the season.

Prior to injury, McCullers turned in a 3.92 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 26.0 strikeout percentage over 105 2/3 innings with a 7-3 record (19 starts) this season. numberFire's models project him to record a 3.85 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 21.5 strikeout percentage across 18 2/3 innings for the remainder of the year.