Angels rookie right-hander Griffin Canning is being shut down for the rest of the season after an MRI exam revealed mild inflammation in his right elbow joint, the club announced on Thursday. The decision to end Canning's season was made "to allow the inflammation to subside," general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement.

Canning pitched seven strong innings in a victory over the White Sox on Sunday, allowing one run and striking out eight. He threw 101 pitches in the outing, but he has aggravated the injury that sent him to the IL for the first half of August.

Canning was solid in his first MLB season, posting a 4.58 ERA over 18 appearances, including 17 starts. He allowed only four earned runs during his last three starts for a 2.12 ERA in 17 innings.

The Angels have not announced Friday’s starter in Houston, but they will turn to Dillon Peters on Saturday, Jaime Barria on Sunday and Andrew Heaney on Tuesday at home against the Rangers.

Injury updates

• Reliever Keynan Middleton (elbow) was scheduled to get one more Minor League rehab appearance on Wednesday and could rejoin the team in Houston, or for the next series in Anaheim, Ausmus said.

• Catcher Kevan Smith (back) was eligible to return from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday but was not yet reactivated. Ausmus said he could be back “in the next few days if all goes well.”

• Shortstop Andrelton Simmons (ankle) took live batting practice on Wednesday and will travel to Houston with the team.