Former Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. released by Brewers, becomes free agent

For the first time in his career, Lance McCullers Jr. is a free agent.

The former Astros right-hander was released Monday by the Brewers, who had designated him for assignment Sunday after he made just two outings for Milwaukee following his trade from Houston less than two weeks earlier. In that salary-shedding deal for the Astros, the 32-year-old McCullers — who’d been with the team since being a first-round pick in 2012 — and lefty Colton Gordon went to the Brewers for outfield prospect Jadyn Fielder.

The Brewers had seven days to trade or release McCullers after Sunday’s move. During his 11 days with the Brewers following the July 15 trade, McCullers made two appearances, allowing five runs — two earned — in 4 ⅔ innings. He lost control Saturday against Colorado in what proved to be his Milwaukee swan song, walking four and allowing three unearned runs in 1 ⅔ innings. In his July 20 Brewers debut, McCullers had given up two runs in three innings against the Mets.

“What a remarkable person in the little time that he was here,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy told Fox Sports Radio Wisconsin on Sunday. “I think he really helped some guys. I know that may be crazy, but that was clear that his intent was to give to others. I respect him a great deal. A tough, tough conversation.”

McCullers is 2-3 with a 6.55 ERA in 10 appearances (eight starts) this season. He has 48 strikeouts to 27 walks in 44 innings. Gordon, assigned to Triple-A Nashville after the trade, is 0-2 with a 5.73 ERA in 11 innings over two starts with the Sounds.

Fielder, assigned to the Astros' A-ball affiliate in Fayetteville, N.C., hit .304 in his first seven games with the Woodpeckers, driving in five runs with two extra-base hits.