McCullers eager to bend Greinke’s ear

While he has to sit this season out recovering from Tommy John surgery, righthanded starter Lance McCullers Jr. is looking forward to what he might pick up

from a 15-year starter like Zack Greinke.

“He’s been doing it forever, just like JV ( Justin Verlander), and he’s still one of the best in the game,” McCullers said. “Any time you get an opportunity to have guys with a pedigree like that, guys who have so much knowledge to share and nothing but glowing reviews around the league about him, you’re excited to have him.’

McCullers was thrilled about the trade for Greinke.

“It’s awesome that we’re in a situation as an organization where our front office recognizes the opportunity this team has to win a World Series,” McCullers said. “Not all teams are willing to push their chips in and go get guys that can impact the team down the stretch and in the playoffs and for years to come.”

McCullers has excelled with a power approach, employing a mid-to-high-90s fastball and a curveball that moves as rapidly as a slider. Greinke used to pitch like that in his younger years, but now he averages around 90 mph with his fastball and can command as many as eight different pitches in a strong outing.

“I’m looking forward to understanding his evolution as a pitcher,” McCullers said. “He came in as a guy that could blow your doors down and could outstuff you. He probably still could, but he’s evolved. It’ll be fun for me to be able to watch and then ask as we go.”

After Greinke debuted for the Astros against the Rockies, he mentioned he was curious to see how Houston scouted opposing teams. He had a deeper perspective on the process for comparison because he already had faced the Rockies multiple times this season while pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Greinke’s thoughtfulness intrigues McCullers.

“He’s just testing himself, trying to see how good he can be,” McCullers said. “That’s part of the reason he’s been able to pitch so long at an elite level and be healthy so long.”

McCullers has been throwing on flat ground. Next up for his recovery will be throwing bullpen sessions. Spring training remains his targeted period to return.

“I'm looking forward to being back with the team next season,” he said. “Being around these guys and seeing how supportive they’ve been for me individually, asking me how I'm doing, has been cool.”