Astros trade deadline plans have changed

As the trade deadline approaches, the Astros are rumored to be scouring the market for improvements.

No matter if you are pro-rotation or pro-bullpen, the Astros could stand to pick up another arm.

Or two.

Maybe three?

You can never have enough quality pitchers, right?

Anyway, the Astros are looking far and wide for improvement. For a while, a starting pitcher appeared to be at the top of the wish list. Sonny Gray,

Jose Quintana,

Jacob deGrom, Justin Verlander and Marcus Stroman were just some the names mentioned.

But now relief pitching, yes, relief, is listed as the likley possibility.

Per MLB Trade Rumors, MLB.com’s Christian Boutwell and Astros Radio, general manager Jeff Luhnow’s approach to the deadline has shifted.

"“We were thinking we may have [to] go out and get a depth starter — a fourth, fifth starter guy to help us get through the season,” Luhnow said. “That’s no longer the case. If anything, we’ve going to have to put guys in the bullpen.”"

This change from the front office isn’t all that surprising.

After all, the Astros have Dallas Keuchel returning to the rotation this weekend in Detroit and Collin McHugh made his 2017 debut this past weekend in Baltimore. Despite the July struggles of Lance McCullers, the Astros have also received more quality outings than not from Charlie Morton, Mike Fiers and Brad Peacock.

The rotation, relatively speaking, should be in fine shape going forward if healthy bodies hold up.

In turn, the front office has turned their attention to the bullpen. And there is a need or two there.

For example, left-handed pitcher Tony Sipp has struggled once again in 2017. Following his three-run surrender last night in Philadelphia, the 34-year old pitcher now has a 5.22 ERA and 4.58 FIP in 29.1 innings. If you desired for the Astros to acquire another left-handed reliever, well, you wouldn’t be wrong in feeling that way.

Three left-handed relievers have been mentioned predominantly in trade rumors: Zach Britton of the Orioles, Justin Wilson of the Tigers and Brad Hand of the Padres. All three pitchers currently maintain a sub-three ERA with FIP figures in the high-two to low-three range. Each would fit right in with the Astros bullpen.

Here is a friendly reminder, though: Do not count out the Astros in any trade rumor. MLB Trade Rumors also mentions that Luhnow is “still open” in terms of trade possibilities.

"Luhnow added that the ‘Stros are still open to pursuing other options that may help them in the postseason, which could hint at pouncing on a bigger name if a good deal becomes available."

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Pay attention between now and the deadline as the Astros are still exploring their options. I wouldn’t be shocked if the front office did somehow consummate a trade for another starting pitcher and a left-handed reliever.

**Statistics courtesy of Fangraphs**