The Houston Astros are currently 38-30, four-and-a-half games up on the Seattle Mariners for first place in the American League West.
Houston has gotten great pitching contributions from Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez but have dealt with injuries to Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski, both out for the season.
In their absence, rookies Ryan Gusto and Colton Gordon have joined the rotation and have struggled so far this season.
If the Astros want to have a serious playoff run, they need to buy starting pitching at the trade deadline.
One option that could be available is the reigning National League Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star from the Atlanta Braves.
Left-handed veteran Chris Sale is putting together another quality season and would be a great addition to the Astros.
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“Over his past 10 starts, he has a 1.61 ERA with 83 strikeouts in 61.2 innings of work with a 1.13 WHIP,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Dylan Sanders. “He would be one of the best possible additions that the Astros could make next month.”
Sale, 36, had a tough April but has since gotten into a groove. Sale is 4-4 with a 2.79 ERA in 14 starts this season.
In May, Sale was 2-0 with a 1.11 ERA with 40 strikeouts in five starts. In two June starts, Sale is 1-1 with a 1.38 ERA and 21 strikeouts.
Sale’s 107 strikeouts is fourth-best in Major League Baseball, behind only Garrett Crochet, Mackenzie Gore and Tarik Skubal.
Even as a 36-year-old potential rental, Sale should generate a lot of interest from contenders, including the Astros.
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