Astros plan on bolstering bullpen before trade deadline ends

The Houston Astros don’t look like they have any weaknesses. With the best record in the American League, Houston still hasn’t made any critical trades. But that could change soon.

Houston is ruthless. Even though it leads the American League West by a hefty 17 games, it still plans on getting better.

The Astros have an imposing offense, ranking first in runs scored by more than 50 runs. Their starting rotation has been above average despite having inconsistent starters on the back end.

Surprisingly, Houston’s biggest problem has been its bullpen. Yes, the one headlined by the flame-throwing Ken Giles and Chris Devenski, who flummoxes hitters with his off-speed repertoire.

Relievers haven’t been a major problem for the club in the previous two seasons. Astros relievers ranked 10th and sixth in ERA in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Even now, the bullpen isn’t unwatchable. Houston ranks 14th in relief ERA this season at 4.12. But it’s been shaky since the All-Star break. Relievers have posted a 5.52 ERA across the previous nine games.

Manager A.J. Hinch might have gotten rid of the squad’s biggest problem in James Hoyt, who struggled in the bigs, garnering a sickly 5.54 ERA. The Astros optioned Hoyt to the minors Tuesday.

Other issues still need to be addressed.

Houston’s pitchers haven’t had difficulty against left-handed hitters, with just one reliever allowing better than a .250 batting average against them. Still, they possess just one lefty in the bullpen in Tony Sipp. And he’s no Andrew Miller.

Luckily for the Astros, there are still several options available to snag before the deadline ends.

Southpaw Justin Wilson drew Houston’s interest earlier this month, and the Tigers are begging teams to take him. Brad Hand and Zach Britton are also obtainable, with Britton likely requiring an impressive package in return.

It’s not like the Astros are slim in the prospects department, though. They boast one of the best farm systems in the league. Nevertheless, they could still obtain a high-quality arm without forfeiting their most prized players.

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One reason the Astros may need to upgrade their bullpen is that it needs fresh, reliable arms. Houston’s bullpen has had a physically taxing year, pitching the 10th-most innings in the league. They are one of three teams in the top 10 of that category with a winning record, along with the Brewers and Cubs.

With a rotation filled with serviceable arms, a few pitchers could be headed to the pen – that’s already been the case for Joe Musgrove and Francis Martes. It’d still be nice to have a more veteran staff at the helm for a deep postseason run.

Will Harris is slated to return soon, but he’s not going to be a game-changer. Devenski has held down the long-relief role magnificently and Giles has essentially locked down the ninth. At this point, another stable setup man could be the difference.

Next: When should sellers become buyers for the deadline?

One piece could be all the Astros need. And they will get it. It’s just a matter of who, when and at what extent?