Houston Astros ace right-hander Hunter Brown will return to the starting rotation Tuesday after missing nearly three months with a Grade 2 shoulder strain. The 27-year-old has been reinstated from the 60-day injured list following four rehab starts, including a recent five-inning outing with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Brown showed dominant form before the injury, posting a 0.84 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 10⅔ innings across his first two starts this season. He's maintained consistency over the past three years, winning 11 or more games each season while emerging as the staff's cornerstone pitcher.

Last season marked his breakthrough campaign, as Brown posted a 2.43 ERA over 31 starts and led the Astros with 6.1 WAR. His performance earned him third-place finish in American League Cy Young Award voting, establishing him among baseball's elite starters.

Brown's return provides a significant boost to Houston's rotation as they face the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, including a matchup against former teammate Framber Valdez. His presence strengthens a pitching staff that has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season.