HOME RUN TRADE
Report indicates Astros could shove on starting pitching, polarizing outfielder
Jul 18, 2023, 2:53 pm
Report INDICATES Astros could SHOVE on Starting Pitching, POLARIZING Outfielder!
The MLB trade deadline is only two weeks away and the Houston Astros are looking to add to the club for the stretch run. Astros GM Dana Brown has stated that the team is prioritizing starting pitching, and also looking for a left-handed hitter.
According to a recent report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Astros could address both needs with just one trade. Nightengale recently shared that the Astros have checked in on Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, and outfielder/Astros hater, Cody Bellinger.
Just adding one of these players could prove costly for Houston, as many other teams with better prospects will be looking to load up for postseason run. So if adding both players feels a bit too unattainable, and it does, which player/position should the team prioritize?
If it has to be one over the over, pitching feels like the more pressing need. Brown mentioned on the Astros flagship that a “home run” trade probably isn't in the cards, but they would like to be aggressive and execute a “double” in trade terms.
If the price of Stroman is too rich for the Astros, they could also shift their focus to White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, Cardinals' Jordan Montgomery, or Tigers' Eduardo Rodriguez. Tigers pitcher Michael Lorenzen could also be a smaller move that would improve the pitching depth.
Be sure to watch the video above as we address several options that might be a good fit for the Astros, and much more!
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.