Brandon Walter: Everything you need to know

The Astros announced Friday that Walter (elbow) is in the midst of a throwing progression at the team's complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Walter is one of three Astros starters in Florida rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, though Hayden Wesneski (elbow) and Ronel Blanco (elbow) are further along in their programs after undergoing procedures in May and June of last year, respectively. Both Wesneski and Blanco will have chances at returning from the 60-day injured list late in the season, but since he had his surgery Sept. 23, 2025, Walter isn't a realistic candidate to pitch until 2027. Walter's main focus will be building up toward facing live hitters by the end of the season with the aim of entering spring training with few restrictions, if any.

The Astros placed Walter (elbow) on the 60-day injured list. Putting Walter on the 60-day IL gives Houston another 40-man roster spot to play with. The lefty will miss the entire 2026 campaign after having Tommy John surgery last September.

Walter (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. This move is procedural as the Astros set their 40-man roster for the offseason. Walter is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season.