HOUSTON -- Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. , who made a triumphant return to the mound this year after missing more than two seasons following major arm surgery , is being moved to the bullpen for the “short term,” manager Joe Espada said prior to Thursday’s game against the Rockies at Daikin Park.

McCullers has made 12 starts for the Astros since returning May 4, posting a 6.89 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 48 1/3 innings. More recently, he spent more than a month on the injured list with a blister on his pitching hand before returning on Friday in Baltimore and giving up three runs on five hits and five walks in four innings. It was his most walks in a game since July 22, 2018.

Espada said the move is being made to try to help McCullers regain his form and confidence while pitchin

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