3 trades Astros can make at deadline to overcome major injuries

Indians pitcher Mike Clevinger was recently demoted for breaking coronavirus protocols, per Insider, but the 29-year-old starter could give a jolt to a Houston rotation which still misses Gerrit Cole.

Clevinger clearly is not on Cole’s level, but could add some rotational depth with Justin Verlander injured. He is also on a cheap, one-year deal, which could bode well for a potential trade, and considering the state of his relationship with his teammates and coaches, is probably unlikely to stay in Cleveland past this season.

A strong pitching staff was key to Houston’s recent World Series runs, and adding Clevinger to a staff which already includes Verlander, Zack Greinke, and Lance McCullers could give the Astros the same kind of depth that they have had in recent years.

Clevinger has a 3.24 ERA in 2020, and has posted solid stats in recent seasons, with a 42-22 record as a starter. If the Astros want to reach their third World Series in four years, he could be the X-factor.

With Cleveland holding little leverage in trade negotiations, the Astros could likely have him for cheap. Clevinger is no longer contributing anything to the team after being relegated to the minors, so even some lower-end prospects could be a reasonable return.

It is unclear whether Clevinger’s COVID-19 violations will scare off the Astros or any other potential suitors, but the gamble may be worth it at the right price. He is a bona fide starter who can make all the difference in Houston’s playoff push, and general manager James Click would be foolish to ignore a potential trade opportunity.