Astros Eye Trade Targets Amid Injury, Depth Issues

The Houston Astros, leading the AL West at 56-40 despite significant injuries, are expected to be active at the trade deadline as they seek to solidify their roster for a postseason run. They are targeting a left-handed bat, with Baltimore's Ryan O’Hearn mentioned as a possible addition, and are also interested in bolstering their rotation, eyeing Arizona's Merrill Kelly. Injuries have forced the Astros to rely on young pitchers and fill-in outfielders, exposing their lack of depth as several regulars remain sidelined or slow to return. There is hope that Yordan Alvarez and multiple starting pitchers could return from the injured list, but uncertainty around their recoveries makes external reinforcements critical. Trade options are complicated by the Astros' depleted farm system, weakened further by recent prospect graduations. Roster moves are expected, and underperforming players like Taylor Trammell are likely to be optioned to accommodate new acquisitions or returning stars.