Astros Trade Injured Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. to Brewers

The Houston Astros have traded veteran pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. to the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal involving cash considerations and prospect Jadyn Fielder. Currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, the two-time champion McCullers leaves Houston as the team's longest-tenured pitcher. The move serves as a salary dump for the 47-51 Astros, who are paying down a portion of his contract to clear financial flexibility ahead of the trade deadline. McCullers is 2-3 with a 6.86 ERA this season.