Less than two weeks after making a trade for pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., the MIlwaukee Brewers have designated him for assignment. The team announced the move before Sunday’s game versus the Colorado Rockies.

McCullers, 32, was acquired from the Houston Astros on July 15 along with minor-league pitcher Colton Gordon in exchange for Jadyn Fielder, the son of former Brewers slugger Prince Fielder, ranked among Milwaukee‘s top 100 prospects.

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The nine-year veteran made only two appearances for the Brewers before the team had apparently seen enough. McCullers’ outing in Saturday’s 8-5 win over the Rockies was particularly rough, with 4 walks in 1 2/3 innings.

In the ninth with the Brewers leading 8-2, McCullers walked TJ Rumfield to lead off the frame. Then first baseman Jake Bauers committed a throwing error to put two men on base. McCullers followed up with a two-out walk to Ezequiel Tovar before giving up a two-run single to Jake McCarthy.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy then pulled McCullers in favor of Trevor Megill, who allowed Tovar to score on a Kyle Karros single. Altogether, 3 runs were charged to McCullers, though they were unearned due to Bauers’ error.

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To take McCullers’ place on the roster, the Brewers recalled pitcher Garrett Stallings from Triple-A Nashville. In 18 appearances (13 starts), Stallings had a 3.70 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 65 2/3 innings. He made two appearances for Milwaukee earlier this month, throwing three scoreless innings.

McCullers waived his 10-and-5 rights (10 years in MLB, five with the same team) that would have allowed him to veto a trade to facilitate a deal to the Brewers. After being designated for assignment, Milwaukee has seven days to trade him. If the Brewers find no takers, McCullers will then either be placed on waivers, accept a demotion to the minors or be released outright.

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Injuries have been a significant issue for McCullers during his 12 years in MLB. He missed the entire 2019, 2023 and 2024 seasons with elbow injuries and underwent reconstructive surgery in 2018. His best season was in 2021, when he posted a 3.16 ERA, 13-5 record and 185 strikeouts in 162 1/3 innings.

McCullers was on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation when he was traded.

WWE has handed AJ Styles a massive backstage role. The legendary pro wrestler will be helping shape the Stamford-based promotion’s next generation.

Speaking on the most recent edition of his Phenomenal Retro Podcast, AJ Styles disclosed that he recently went back to the WWE Performance Center for tapings. The 49-year-old further revealed that he was going to take over the role of one of the coaches. Styles added that he had a great week.

“I went back down to the Performance Center. We did some more tapings, and I’m going to be taking over for one of the coaches. So, that’s what I was doing. Man, I had a great week,” Styles said.

AJ Styles stated that he enjoyed working with the younger generation and inspiring them. The former WWE Champion noted that he loved the opportunity to produce matches.

“Honestly, I really enjoy it. I really enjoy it. It’s trying to inspire some of the younger talent and seeing them do well. Being able to produce a match and going, ‘Oh my gosh, dude, you guys killed it.’ I love that opportunity to be able to say I was involved in that to a certain degree,” he added. [H/T: Ringside News]

You can check out the full podcast in the video below:

The Phenomenal One retired from in-ring action earlier this year at the Royal Rumble Premium Live Event. Gunther defeated the veteran at the PLE via submission, forcing him to end his wrestling career.

AJ Styles is excited about major WWE Superstar’s future

During a previous edition of his Phenomenally Retro Podcast, AJ Styles spoke about Chad Gable’s return to Monday Night RAW. The WWE Hall of Famer really liked the former Alpha Academy leader saving Penta and Rey Mysterio from Ethan Page and Rusev’s attack on the red brand’s show.

Styles expressed his desire to see Chad Gable be a bigger star. The veteran further noted that he was really excited about Gable’s future, especially following his massive success as the Original El Grande Americano.

“So we’ve seen Chad Gable come back. He gave Rey Mysterio his mask back and kind of saved both him and Penta. I thought it was really freaking cool. That’s where I want to see it go. I want to see Chad be a bigger star. He’s obviously a babyface based on the fact that he admitted that he’s not the El Grande Americano. He is not him anymore. I think it’s cool. I’m really excited about where this is going,” Styles said. [H/T: Fightful]

Chad Gable is scheduled to challenge Penta for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam. The 40-year-old will look to dethrone the luchador at the premium live event and win the title for the very first time.