What happened: The right-hander's locker has been cleared out after elbow and shoulder discomfort forced him from a June start. He underwent internal-brace surgery on his throwing elbow in April 2024.

Why it matters: The uncertainty narrows Atlanta's postseason rotation choices and raises the urgency for starting-pitching help before Monday's trade deadline. Martin Perez has helped stabilize the group, but the rotation still carries multiple question marks.

What to watch: Atlanta's next rotation move before Monday's deadline will show how aggressively it responds.