The right-hander's first outing after a 915-day absence offers Houston little clarity on what to expect moving forward.

The Houston Astros finally got Lance McCullers Jr. back to the Major League mound. It was a long time coming for both parties after he last pitched in 2022 before making his long-awaited return on May 4.

The right-hander threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings, leaning on his sinker, changeup and curveball pitches, struggling with the command of his slider.