MLB Player News

France (shoulder) struck out seven and allowed three earned runs on four hits and four walks across four innings in his rehab start Thursday with Triple-A Sugar Land.

The right-hander has now made five rehab starts across stops with three different affiliates and has been gradually increasing his workload. He built up to 77 pitches Thursday and probably needs just one more rehab outing to get himself stretched out enough to handle a typical starter's workload, but France likely hasn't performed well enough to garner serious consideration for a spot in Houston's rotation once he's activated from the 60-day injured list. After undergoing shoulder surgery last July, France has struggled to regain his control thus far during his rehab assignment, as he's posted a 15:13 K:BB while hitting two batters and uncorking a wild pitch over 13 innings. France has a minor-league option remaining, so the Astros could have him remain with Sugar Land once his 30-day rehab window comes to a close.

Perez will start Wednesday's game in Atlanta, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Perez is taking the rotation spot vacated by Sean Burke, who was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday. Aaron Civale had been scheduled to take the ball Wednesday but has been pushed back in the schedule to start Friday versus the Twins. Perez made one relief appearance last Wednesday after returning from a lengthy absence due to a flexor strain, tossing 3.1 innings of one-run ball in a 1-0 loss to Detroit. He threw 66 pitches in that appearance, which is more than he threw in either of his two rehab outings before being activated from the 60-day injured list. With that in mind, Perez likely won't be ready to handle a full workload Wednesday.

Weathers (lat) will throw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander will face hitters for the first time since he was shelved in early June due to a lat strain. If Weathers gets through Wednesday's session without any hiccups, he could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. Weathers is hoping to return from the 60-day injured list and rejoin the Miami rotation at some point in September.

The Giants optioned Winn to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

Winn was up with the big club for just a few days while Ryan Walker was on the paternity list, but Winn will head back to Sacramento now that Walker has rejoined the active roster. The 27-year-old Winn made two scoreless relief appearances during his time with the big club.

The Cubs announced that Horton was removed in the third inning of his start in the first game of Monday's doubleheader with the Brewers due to a blister on his right middle finger, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Horton was visited on the mound on three occasions during the afternoon before he was lifted from the contest after recording three strikeouts and allowing one earned run on four hits and one walk across 2.2 innings. Though the blister isn't a major health concern for the young hurler, it could jeopardize his availability for his next turn through the rotation, which is expected to come this weekend versus the Angels. If Horton ends up requiring a stint on the injured list, the Cubs could recall Javier Assad from Triple-A Iowa to replace the rookie in the rotation.

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.

Wheeler (shoulder) underwent a thrombolysis procedure Monday to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity.

According to the Phillies' press release, Wheeler's subsequent treatment plan and timeline to return to game action are yet to be determined. More clarity on the right-hander's situation should be available in the coming days and weeks. With Wheeler sidelined indefinitely, Taijuan Walker will continue to hold down a spot in the Philadelphia rotation as the team's No. 5 starter.

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.

Horton was removed from his start in the first game of Monday's doubleheader with the Brewers midway through the third inning due to an apparent blister on his pitching hand, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports. He struck out three batters and gave up one run on four hits and one walk over 2.2 frames prior to departing the contest.

The Cubs will likely provide clarity later Monday regarding whether Horton was battling a blister or some other kind of health concern, but the rookie was pulled from the contest after he was visited twice on the mound by Craig Counsell and a team trainer and on an another occasion by pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. Prior to Monday's twin bill, Horton had been the Cubs' top performing starter since the All-Star break, having posted a microscopic 0.32 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in 28.1 innings over his last five starts. After exiting with a 1-0 deficit, Horton will be on the hook for his fourth loss of the season if the Cubs are unable to tie the game or take the lead at any point in the remainder of the contest.