MILWAUKEE (AP) — Newly acquired right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. will initially pitch out of the bullpen for the Milwaukee Brewers as the team with second-best record in the majors continues to work through injuries to key members of its staff.The Brewers reinstated McCullers from the 15-day injured list on Friday and placed him on the active roster while optioning struggling reliever Jared Koenig to Triple-A Nashville. Milwaukee acquired McCullers, along with left-hander Colton Gordon, from the Houston Astros on Wednesday for outfield prospect Jadyn Fielder.McCullers explained to reporters before Friday night’s game against the Miami Marlins why he decided to waive a no-trade clause and accept the deal to Milwaukee.“I’ve always respected the way they play. They’re a hard-nosed group,” McCullers said. “It’s a good opportunity for me to come to a great winning club that has World Series aspirations. I’m excited to be a part of that.”McCullers Jr. is 53-40 with a 3.85 ERA over 154 games. He was an All-Star in 2017, had Tommy John surgery in November 2018 and missed the 2019 season. Surgery in June 2023 kept him out through the 2024 season. He had been on the IL since mid-May with right shoulder inflammation.