After a rough start to the year, the idea of the Astros selling at the trade deadline was starting to make a lot of sense. Instead, Houston has battled back and looks like they could be one of the best teams in the American League despite a seemingly endless line of injuries.

The Houston Astros traded right-hander Forrest Whitley to the Tampa Bay Rays after designating him for assignment last weekend, the team announced Friday, ending his tenure in the organization. Houston received cash considerations in the deal for the former top pitching prospect.

The Houston Astros are in dire need of a quality starting pitcher and should be in on the 2024 National League Cy Young winner.

With little cap space and an absence of touted prospects to deal, the trade deadline could be a challenge for Houston.

Astros beat writer Matt Kawahara answers readers' questions about Yordan Alvarez's status, the upcoming MLB trade deadline and other topics.