The Houston Astros are entering the weekend one game behind the Toronto Blue Jays for having the best record in the American League, which is impressive considering their season has been defined by endless injuries. Specifically, the Astros' pitching staff has been decimated by injuries, and the trend continued on Friday. The Astros announced that left-handed starting pitcher Brandon Walter has been placed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation.
Returning to the Major League level for the first time since 2023, Walter has been a welcome addition to an Astros' rotation that has been without a majority of their Opening Day starting rotation for most of the season.