Lance McCullers Jr.'s broken fingernail deepens questions about Astros pitching

HOUSTON — On the most depressing day of this dismal season, a portion of Lance McCullers Jr.’s fingernail fell off. For a team finding every feasible way to get injured, from batting practice swings to bolting down the first-base line and everything in between, it represented something new.McCullers faced eight batters before breaking his nail. Those inside the Houston Astros’ dugout noticed his discomfort and sprang into action. Head athletic trainer Eric Velazquez and manager Joe Espada visited McCullers on the mound during the third inning. So did pitching coach Josh Miller.Advertisement