Lance McCullers Jr. Joins Brewers’ Bullpen After Trade from Astros

On July 15, 2026, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor-league outfielder Jadyn Fielder, left-hander Colton Gordon, and cash. The Brewers activated McCullers from the 15-day injured list on July 17 and optioned reliever Jared Koenig to Triple-A Nashville. For the remainder of the season, manager Pat Murphy announced McCullers will work out of the bullpen, a role he has filled in only six of his 154 major-league appearances.

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McCullers, 32, spent his entire career with Houston, contributing to the Astros’ World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. He missed the 2019 season after Tommy John surgery, sat out 2023 and 2024 following flexor-joint procedures, and was placed on the injured list in May 2026 with a rotator-cuff impingement. The Brewers, holding the second-best record in MLB and a 3.48 team ERA, are coping with injuries to starters Jacob Misiorowski, Brandon Woodruff (60-day IL), and Kyle Harrison (15-day IL).

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• Lance McCullers Jr. – Right-handed pitcher, 53-40 career record, 3.85 ERA.

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• Pat Murphy – Brewers manager, overseeing the bullpen transition.

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• Josh Hader – Former Brewers closer, now with Houston, whose endorsement influenced McCullers’ decision.

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• Logan Henderson – Current Brewers right-hander, familiar with McCullers from offseason training.

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• McCullers’ career: 154 games, 148 starts, 3.85 ERA.

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• Brewers’ staff ERA: 3.48 (second in the majors).

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• McCullers’ contract: final year of a five-year, $85 million deal signed in the 2021 offseason.

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Pat Murphy explained that deploying McCullers as a reliever “fits where we need help now” and highlighted the pitcher’s “experience” and “team-first attitude.” Murphy also addressed starter Jacob Misiorowski’s recovery, indicating the young left-hander may appear in the upcoming series against the New York Mets.

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No public criticism or dissenting commentary was recorded in the available reports.

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• “I've always respected the way they play. They're a hard-nosed group,” — Lance McCullers Jr.

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• “One of the first calls I made was to Josh,” — Lance McCullers Jr.

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• “I think it's a good opportunity for me to come to a great, winning club that has World Series aspirations and I'm excited to be a part of it.” — Lance McCullers Jr.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal

• “I think just the continuous belief I have in my faith and continuing to get opportunities," he said.” — Lance McCullers Jr.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal

The Brewers plan to use McCullers in relief during the July 17 series against the Miami Marlins and anticipate his continued role through the upcoming interleague series versus the New York Mets beginning Monday.

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