"You can do simulated games and spring training and all that stuff," McCullers said Wednesday. "But when it counts for real there's definitely a different tone to it. There's more intent behind everything you do. I'm glad that part of my life is behind me in a way and now I'm ready to the ball."
McCullers eclipsed the 90-pitch mark in a game for the first time since July 29, 2018, and while he gave up both runs in his final two innings of work, the Astros righty maintained he didn't empty his tank and didn't experience any post-start soreness.
"It's probably the best my arm has bounced back throughout summer camp and in my first game," he said. "Very happy and pleased with the way my body's been feeling."
Like many teams across baseball, the Astros are dealing with a rash of pitcher injuries. Brad Peacock and Austin Pruitt started the season on the IL, Joe Biagini joined them earlier this week, Ryan Pressly and Chris Devenski are dealing with elbow soreness, and most notably, Justin Verlander was placed on the IL with a forearm strain. Astros manager Dusty Baker blamed the shortened summer camp for all the injuries, and McCullers didn't disagree.
"I think the amount of time we had off and the quick ramp-up in summer camp, we didn't have a (report) date until we were five days away from summer camp, so I think that has something to do with it."
Even though he's watching pitchers drop all around him, McCullers believes all the hard work he put in to getting back on the mound will keep his right arm healthy.
"I've been working very hard for a very long time to be ready for really anything, and the down time for me was just an extended version of rehab almost, so I know guys have worked hard and sometimes injuries just happen as part of the game."