Convenience Big Store: 'A big moment' for Lance McCullers Jr. as he takes next step in comeback

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Today's starting lineup

It had been 868 days since Lance McCullers Jr. last pitched in a game for the Astros. The stakes Tuesday didn't come anywhere close to the 2022 World Series, but for McCullers, just being on the mound again in a game was "a big moment." Matt Kawahara has more from West Palm Beach.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. delivers during spring training at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Fl.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Happy return

Lance McCullers Jr. once thought he'd never pitch again. But two-plus years after his most recent start, he threw 13 pitches Tuesday against the Nationals in what he called "a big moment" in his road back.

Alvarez scratched: A thumb ailment kept Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez out of Tuesday's game against the Nationals but isn't considered serious. Read More
Three sent down: The Astros made three roster cuts Tuesday, with one of them indicating something about their likely opening day roster. Read More
Tucker in new togs: Kyle Tucker, hitting third and playing right field, went hitless in his Cubs regular-season debut. Read More

UH Basketball

Houston guard L.J. Cryer (4) high fives a line of fans after the Cougars' 68-59 win over Iowa State in an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Dark side of the dance

As the NCAA basketball tournaments begin, and sports betting increases, players are subject to more hate on social media. How some of the Cougars deal with toxicity online.

Cougars quiz: As Houston starts another NCAA Tournament run, test your knowledge of the Cougars with our interactive quiz. Read More

Texas Basketball

Texas guard Tramon Mark (12) drives against Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Photo by: George Walker IV, AP

Season-saving move, but not necessarily for his job

Texas might not be in the NCAA Tournament had Rodney Terry not moved Tramon Mark to point guard yet the Longhorns are still weighing coaching options for next season, Kirk Bohls writes in his 9 Things column.

Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV (4) heads to the basket against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the second round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Photo by: Wade Payne, AP

Taylor-made finish?

Wade Taylor IV will try and build on his already impressive legacy in College Station by helping fourth-seeded Texas A&M to a deep NCAA Tournament run.

Texans / NFL

Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker (52) lines up against South Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Photo by: Vasha Hunt, Associated Press

Mock draft, take 2

The Texans' priorities have changed some since the start of free agency and the trade of Laremy Tunsil. Here's Jonathan M. Alexander's latest projection for a full Houston draft class.

Houston Rockets' Tari Eason (17) and Orlando Magic's Wendell Carter Jr. (34) reach for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 10, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo by: David J. Phillip, Associated Press

Gameday at Magic

The Rockets arrive in Orlando for tonight's game with the NBA's longest active win streak at seven games, including a home win over the Magic earlier this month.