Career Timeline of Lance McCullers Jr.: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Lance McCullers Jr. made an impact.

Lance McCullers Jr. is a professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros. Drafted in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft, he debuted in 2015. He was selected as an All-Star in 2017. He continues to play for the Astros.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Drafted and Signed with the Houston Astros

In 2012, The Houston Astros selected McCullers in the first round, with the 41st overall selection, of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. He signed with the Astros, receiving a $2.5 million signing bonus.

2012: Drafted by the Houston Astros

In 2012, the Astros selected McCullers in the first round of the MLB draft.

May 18, 2015: Major League Debut

On May 18, 2015, McCullers made his major league debut, allowing one run, three walks, and three hits while striking out five batters in 4+2⁄3 innings. He received a no-decision in the Astros' 2–1 loss to the Oakland Athletics.

June 3, 2015: First Career Complete Game

On June 3, 2015, McCullers threw his first career complete game against the Baltimore Orioles, reaching 11 strikeouts for the first time. He remained in the Astros rotation and finished with 22 starts.

2015: MLB Debut

In 2015, Lance McCullers Jr. made his MLB debut for the Houston Astros.

2015: Promotion to Triple-A and MLB Debut Announced

In 2015, McCullers started the season with the Corpus Christi Hooks, was promoted to the Fresno Grizzlies on May 14, and on the following day, it was announced that he would make his major league debut on May 18.

2016: Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation Established

In 2016, the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established by McCullers and his family to advocate for stray and homeless animals.

October 21, 2017: First Career Save in ALCS Game 7

On October 21, 2017, McCullers pitched four scoreless innings in relief and earned his first career save in a 4–0 win over the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the ALCS. This sent the Astros to their first World Series since 2005.

2017: Starting Rotation and Scoreless Innings Streak

In 2017, McCullers was assigned to the starting rotation at the outset of the season. From May 6–23, he delivered 22 scoreless innings.

July 29, 2018: Most Strikeouts Since July 29, 2018

On September 15, 2022 McCullers hurled six innings, issuing four walks, two hits, and two runs as he struck out 11 Athletics, his most since July 29, 2018.

2020: 2020 Season Stats

In 2020, McCullers had a 3–3 record with a 3.93 ERA. He pitched 55 innings with 56 strikeouts in 11 starts.

March 24, 2021: Contract Extension with Astros

On March 24, 2021, McCullers and the Astros agreed to a five-year, $85 million contract extension that included a $3.5 million signing bonus.

2022: 2022 Season Stats

In 2022, McCullers was 4–2 with a 2.27 ERA in 47+2⁄3 innings in which he struck out 50 batters in eight starts.

2022: Season Debut and Return to Play

In 2022, McCullers, recovering from a forearm injury, made his season debut on August 13 and earned the win after hurling six shutout innings versus the Oakland Athletics. He allowed two hits, walked four, and struck out five.

May 4, 2025: Season Debut After Absence

After a 915-day absence, McCullers made his season debut on May 4, 2025, at Rate Field versus the White Sox, and tossed 3+2⁄3 scoreless innings with three hits, three walks allowed, and four strikeouts.