The Astros announced Monday that Walter has shut down from throwing following a recurrence of left elbow inflammation, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Walter initially went on the 15-day injured list July 25, and after he resumed playing catch earlier this month, he encountered a setback. It's not clear at this point how long he might be shut down, but at this stage of the season, Walter's availability down the stretch is in question. He's been excellent for Houston in 2025, collecting a 3.35 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 52:4 K:BB in 53.2 innings.

The Red Sox announced Monday that Houck (elbow) underwent a successful hybrid reconstruction of his right UCL with a flexor tendon repair, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The operation officially ends a disappointing season for Houck, who held a an 8.09 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 32:17 K:BB in 43.2 innings with the Red Sox before going down with an elbow issue in mid-May and eventually having a setback that required surgery. Houck is hoping to return to action for the Red Sox toward the end of the 2026 season, but that's far from a guarantee.

The White Sox optioned Burke to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Burke has posted a disappointing 4.28 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 117.2 innings this season and had failed to go five frames in four of his last five outings. The White Sox remain hopeful that Burke will be a long-term fixture in their rotation, but the righty will attempt to work on his issues in a less pressurized environment for now. Martin Perez will likely slide into Chicago's rotation in Burke's place.

Cunningham (undisclosed) walked three batters over 1.1 scoreless innings in his start Wednesday for High-A Hudson Valley after being reinstated from the 7-day injured list.

Cunningham didn't require a rehab assignment at a lower level of the minors prior to being activated, but because he hadn't pitched for Hudson Valley since June 4 due to an unspecified injury, he was on a limited workload Wednesday. The right-hander was able to escape the outing with any damage, but his control was far from on point, as he spotted just 15 of his 30 pitches for strikes. For the season, Cunningham owns a 1.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 47:14 K:BB over 48 innings for Hudson Valley.

The Orioles announced that Eflin underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy surgery Monday in Florida, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Eflin's surgery appears to have gone off without any complications, and the right-hander is optimistic that he'll have a normal offseason after about 12 weeks and rest and rehab. In total, Eflin will face an estimated recovery timeline of 4-to-8 months, so he could be at risk of missing spring training and the start of the 2026 season if he veers toward the latter end of that range. Eflin, who went 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 50:13 K:BB across 71.1 innings in his 14 starts with the Orioles before landing on the injured list July 31, is set to become a free agent this winter.

Garcia (elbow) struck out six and allowed one earned run on six hits and one walk over 4.2 innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Sugar Land.

Garcia has been built up slowly during his rehab assignment, which began July 7 in the rookie-level Florida Complex League and has included seven starts over four affiliates in total. The right-hander looks to be rapidly closing in on a return from the 60-day injured list, as he's looked sharp over his three outings since moving his assignment to Sugar Land. Over those starts, Garcia has turned in a 3.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings. After Garcia got stretched out to 77 pitches in Wednesday's start, Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that the 28-year-old will likely require just one more appearance in the minors before coming off the IL, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Brown added that Lance McCullers (finger) is on track to beat Garcia back from the IL, but the Astros could have starting spots available for both pitchers if they elect to move Jason Alexander or Spencer Arrighetti to the bullpen and expand the rotation to six men. Garcia last pitched in the big leagues May 1, 2023, as he underwent Tommy John surgery later that month and then hit some snags in the recovery process that have further delayed him.

Schultz (knee) is progressing, and the White Sox are aiming for him to return in late August, MLB.com reports.

Schultz has been out since July 20 due to discomfort in his right knee, and the team is taking a cautious approach to his return. It was reported that he has made progress, although it is unclear what that has entailed. The White Sox also announced that Schultz will pitch in the Arizona Fall League.

Stephen (shoulder) is expected to throw a two-inning live batting practice on Monday, MLB.com reports.

This will be the second live BP for Stephen, who threw one last Friday. The 22-year-old right-hander was traded from the Blue Jays to the Guardians in the Shane Bieber trade. Stephen had a breakout campaign in 2025, dominating Single-A and High-A hitters before reaching Double-A New Hampshire. It was there that he was hit by shoulder impingement after one start and landed on the 7-day injured list prior to being traded. Assuming he returns at some point in September, Stephen could get at least two starts in for Double-A Akron.

Allen did not factor in the decision during Sunday's loss to Atlanta. He allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks over 4.2 innings while striking out six.

Allen gave up one run through four innings before things fell apart in the fifth. He was charged with two unearned runs and failed to complete the frame after a pair of errors. He threw 107 pitches (65 strikes) in the ineffective outing and generated only 10 whiffs. Allen has struggled with his command recently, issuing 11 walks over his last 14.2 innings. On the bright side, he's given up two or fewer earned runs in six of his last eight outings while lowering his season ERA to 3.87 with a 98:51 K:BB through 123.1 innings. Allen is lined up for a road start against the Rangers next weekend.

Kirby (8-6) allowed seven runs on 12 hits and three walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings to take the loss versus the Mets in Sunday's Little League Classic.

Kirby may not want to stop by Williamsport again any time soon, as he had arguably his worst start of the season in this contest. He walked a season-high three batters for the fourth time this year, and the seven runs allowed also represented his most in any outing in 2025. That was enough to end his four-start winning streak. Kirby is now at a 4.22 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 94:23 K:BB through 89.2 innings over 16 starts. The 23 walks represent his most in any year of his four-year career, which is concerning given he's seen his lightest workload this season due to injuries. Kirby will try to right the ship in a home matchup versus the Athletics for his next start.