One name that has come up recently in connection with the Astros is Washington Nationals ace MacKenzie Gore. The 26-year-old is in the midst of a career-year, pitching to a 3.52 ERA in 21 starts, and being named to his first career All-Star appearance.

Starting third baseman Isaac Paredes (hamstring) is on the 10-day IL, but general manager Dana Brown said on Sunday that the injury is “a little bit more severe than we projected,” via The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. That could jeopardize Houston’s first-place status if it doesn’t acquire a replacement player by Thursday’s Trade Deadline.