Full Breakdown
Lance McCullers Jr. Designated for Assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers
7/26/2026, 9:53:59 PM
Core Event: Rapid DFA After a Mid-Season Trade
The Milwaukee Brewers removed right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. from their 40-man roster on July 26, just 11 days after acquiring him from the Houston Astros on July 15. The designation for assignment (DFA) coincided with the recall of right-hander Garrett Stallings from Triple-A Nashville, creating an open roster spot as the club entered the final stretch of the season.
Background & Context
The July 15 trade sent McCullers, a two-time World Series champion and former All-Star, and left-hander Colton Gordon to Milwaukee in exchange for minor-league outfielder Jadyn Fielder. The Astros agreed to cover most of McCullers’ remaining salary, leaving the Brewers responsible for roughly $2.5 million. McCullers had spent his entire major-league career with Houston, debuting in 2015 and compiling a 53-40 record with a 3.85 ERA. Injuries limited him to eight starts in 2025 and kept him off the mound for the 2023-2024 seasons. He entered the trade on the injured list with shoulder inflammation and had not pitched for the Astros since May 13.
Data & Statistics
- Appearances for Milwaukee: 2 relief outings (July 20 debut and July 25 vs. Colorado).
- Innings pitched: 4 2/3 total.
- Earned-run average: 3.86 (as reported in the Brewers’ transaction summary).
- Strikeouts: 5; Walks: 5; Hits allowed: 5.
- Runs allowed: Five runs total, of which three were earned according to the ESPN report; the JSONLINE report classified all three ninth-inning runs as unearned.
- Pitch count: 97 throws, with 54 strikes recorded in the two games.
- July 25 outing: Four walks in 1 2/3 innings, contributing to a loss of an 8-2 lead.
- Salary commitment: Astros offset $4,227,273; Brewers assumed the remaining $2.5 million.
- Prior season with Astros: 2-3 record, 6.86 ERA in eight starts.
Official Statements & Responses
As a veteran with more than ten years of service, McCullers retains the right to reject an outright assignment to Triple-A and elect free agency if he clears waivers. The club indicated that the move reflects a need for immediate bullpen effectiveness during a critical stretch of the season.
On-the-Ground Reports
Unverified social-media commentary circulated after the DFA, with some fans expressing disappointment that McCullers received limited opportunities and others speculating that he might clear waivers and join a Triple-A pitching staff. These remarks are not confirmed by the organization.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the classification of the runs allowed in McCullers’ second appearance. The ESPN account lists three earned runs among the five total, while the JSONLINE narrative describes all three ninth-inning runs as unearned. No definitive clarification has been provided by the Brewers or MLB officials.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lance McCullers Jr. designated for assignment by the Brewers.” — Underdog MLB
What’s Next
The Brewers have seven days to trade McCullers, place him on waivers, or retain him if claimed. Should he clear waivers, he may elect free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A. Teams in need of veteran right-hand depth are expected to evaluate his recent performance and contract status during the upcoming waiver period.
