Astros Eye O'Hearn, Morton Ahead of Deadline

The Houston Astros, AL West leaders, are actively seeking to upgrade their offense ahead of the trade deadline, with a focus on acquiring a left-handed bat such as Orioles All-Star Ryan O'Hearn or Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan. The team is also exploring bullpen reinforcements, including a potential reunion with Cardinals reliever Phil Maton. In addition to these needs, the Astros are linked to veteran pitcher Charlie Morton as a possible trade target to bolster their injury-hampered rotation. Several injured pitchers, including Spencer Arrighetti, Luis Garcia, and J.P. France, are making rehab starts and could return soon, potentially creating a roster crunch. General Manager Dana Brown has emphasized that adding bats is the top priority, but pitching remains a consideration due to ongoing injuries. The Astros' trade strategy reflects their focus on both immediate contention and long-term roster resilience.