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The defending World Series champion Houston Astros have watched the Texas Rangers bust out of the gates and take control of the American League West division.
However, the defending champs own a record of 50-41 and are only two games back of first while holding one of the three American League Wild Card spots.
The team lost Justin Verlander in the offseason, but handed the role of ace over to Framber Valdez.
Still, the team has dealt with some injuries in the starting rotation, with Lance McCullers Jr. being an example of such.
On Twitter, Astros insider Chandler Rome shed some light on what the defending champions may do at the trade deadline, revealing that their top priority is a starting pitcher.
On his weekly appearance on @SportsTalk790, Astros general manager Dana Brown said his number one priority at the trade deadline is now a starting pitcher.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 12, 2023
Who the Astros may target is not yet known, but it’s clear that the top priority for General Manager Dana Brown is to add a starter.
Houston already has Valdez and Cristian Javier, but the rest of the rotation is very much in limbo.
In addition to McCullers being out, Luis Garcia is also on the injured list, as is Jose Urquidy.
So, the Astros may ultimately target more than one starter.
Dylan Cease, Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, Lucas Giolito, and Lance Lynn are a few starters that could be dealt at the end of the month.
All are starters who could help the Astros plug some holes and even give them a top-level arm to go next to Javier and Valdez.
Another arm could make Houston a serious threat to repeat as champions.
The post Astros Insider Notes Team’s Top Deadline Priority appeared first on The Cold Wire.