Houston Astros Top Trade Target Dealt to Angels

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The Houston Astros have not been shy about announcing what they are targeting before the MLB Trade Deadline.
On Wednesday, one of their top targets was dealt to their divisional opponent Los Angels Angels.
It was clear the Chicago White Sox were going to be sellers ahead of the deadline. Because of that, there were many reports that the Astros would be going after their ace Lucas Giolito.
With a 3.79 ERA across 121.0 innings pitched in 21 starts, the big right hander was at the top of Houston's list.
Instead, the Angels made a deal to bring him to Los Angeles and assist with their desperate playoff push.
In return, the White Sox got back minor league left hander Ky Bush and minor league catcher Edgar Quero. Both are now top five prospects in Chicago's farm system.
Houston will have to look elsewhere to get the pitching help they want.
Injuries have plagued the Astros' pitching staff this season. Starters from last year Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are out for the entirety of the season. Jose Urquidy is still not back but is doing rehab starts.
They're relying on a staff of their Cy Young candidate ace Framber Valdez and inexperienced major league starters.
General manager Dana Brown has made it clear they're going after pitching before the deadline. They've been linked to others on the market like the Detroit Tigers' ace, but this is a huge blow to not get Giolito.
The front office might have to give up more than they thought if they want to land pitching in this seller's market.
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- Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
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Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai