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Astros rumors: 2 major injuries could alter trade deadline plans
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- Astros rumors: 2 major injuries could alter trade deadline plans
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The Houston Astros have battled adversity all season, but two major injuries this week could finally force the front office's hand ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a blister on his pitching hand, marking his third trip to the IL this season. Even more concerning, manager Joe Espada confirmed that All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes suffered a "pretty significant" hamstring strain — an injury that could sideline him for the foreseeable future.
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"We're still waiting on results," Espada said, "but it's definitely something that's going to keep him out for a while."
The loss of Paredes, who leads the team with 19 home runs and ranks second in wins above replacement behind Jeremy Peña , creates a massive void in the lineup. His injury has significantly shifted Houston's deadline priorities. General manager Dana Brown had been focused on bolstering the rotation and adding a left-handed hitting second baseman, but sources say adding an infielder has now jumped to the top of the list.
With Paredes out indefinitely, the Astros are searching for a versatile bat who can handle third base duties. Potential targets include Minnesota 's Willi Castro , New York's Brett Baty , and Baltimore 's Ryan O'Hearn — players who could help stabilize the infield while staying within the team's financial constraints.
Isaac Parades could be out for a significant period of time, prompting the Astros to explore 3B at the deadline
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Complicating matters is Houston's precarious payroll position. Cot's Contracts estimates the Astros are just under $2 million below the first luxury tax threshold. Whether owner Jim Crane will authorize another tax hit, especially after exceeding the threshold in 2024, remains unclear.
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Meanwhile, McCullers' latest setback further exposes the fragility of Houston's rotation. The 30-year-old has struggled since returning in May, posting a 6.90 ERA over 11 starts. His diminished velocity and declining ground ball rate raise questions about his future role — and the need for external reinforcements.
Even before McCullers landed on the IL, the Astros were in the market for a starting pitcher. Cristian Javier , Luis Garcia , and Spencer Arrighetti are all on minor league rehab assignments, but banking on their health and effectiveness post-return is risky. The Astros are 30-31 in games not started by Hunter Brown or Framber Valdez , highlighting how thin the margin is.
If pitching help proves too costly or unavailable, Houston could pivot to a high-leverage reliever instead — someone to help shorten games and reduce strain on the rotation. Names like Tanner Scott or Michael Kopech have reportedly drawn interest across the league.
Despite the injury pile-up — now totaling 17 players on the IL — Houston is somehow still 17 games over .500 and leading the AL West. But their margin for error is shrinking. The next week could define their postseason fate.
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"We need to be smart, but we also need help," Espada said. "We've overcome a lot, but we're not done building yet."
Related: MLB rumors: Rays star named perfect Astros trade fit
Related: Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. lands on IL with blister concern
