The Houston Astros are currently half-a-game behind the Seattle Mariners for first place in the American League West with a 32-27 record.
Houston’s pitching staff has been riddled with injuries, the latest being Ronel Blanco, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez have been a nice one-two punch for the Astros, but the depth significantly drops off.
In the wake of Blanco’s injury, Major League Baseball insider Bob Nightengale reported that Houston will pursue starting pitching at the trade deadline.
According to Drew VonScio of Newsweek, one pitcher who may be on Houston’s radar is former All-Star right-hander Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Nightengale also reported that the Pirates are open to fielding calls for anyone except Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz, meaning Keller is on the table.
Keller, 29, is 1-7 with a 3.73 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 12 starts this season. His record doesn’t look good, but the Pirates haven’t been giving him run support.
An issue that Houston may run into is that Keller is in the second year of his five-year, $77 million contract. The Astros would have to give up a lot to get Keller and the team doesn’t have the best farm system.
Keller would be a nice addition to the Astros if the club decides to call Pittsburgh about his services.
