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Report: Talks for Gray 'heating up' between Athletics, Astros

Cary Edmondson / USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros may be on the verge of finally acquiring pitching help on the trade market.

Talks with the Oakland Athletics over right-hander Sonny Gray are "heating up," according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. No news is yet available on what the Astros are offering.

Gray has long been rumored to be on the trade block, and he's raised his profile since the beginning of June with a string of strong showings, posting a 3.02 ERA over his last nine starts. Most recently, he allowed only two earned runs over 6 1/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

Despite running away with the American League West division, the Astros have seen almost all their starting pitchers hit the disabled list this season, and ace Dallas Keuchel hasn't pitched since June 2 because of neck discomfort.

By adding Gray - paired with Keuchel's upcoming return - the rotation would be deep. With a top three of Gray, Keuchel, and Lance McCullers, and with Collin McHugh and Mike Fiers behind them, the Astros would have the depth they've been missing in the postseason. And yet, they're still connected to other arms - like Justin Verlander - as well.

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