The Houston Astros believe Lance McCullers, Jr. can return "probably somewhere closer to the All-Star break, or after," according to general manager Dana Brown.

There's still some fluidity "depending on whether we can get him built up to start," Brown added.

McCullers hasn't pitched yet this season after suffering a forearm strain early in Spring Training.

He logged just 47 2/3 innings last season, posting a 2.27 ERA and 50 strikeouts against 22 walks.