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Astros Crawfish Boil: August 21, 2015

Astros maintain lead as AL West teams falter, Vincent Velasquez is back in Houston and trade news from around the league.

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Astros News:

Scouting report: Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Three things to watch in the upcoming series

Vince Velasquez never felt fatigued but understands need for rest
The reliever brings a fresh arm to the Astros bullpen ahead of the Sept. 1 roster expansion, when he was roughly expected back in the fold. Velasquez, like fellow rookie Lance McCullers, was sent to Class AA Corpus Christi so his workload could be limited.

George Springer swinging, but not at a baseball for now
George Springer has been swinging a fungo bat in the cage but is unlikely to take standard batting practice (indoor or outdoor) before the Astros’ six-game, seven-day road trip through New York and Minnesota next week.

MLB.com 2015 Prospect Watch
Astros' Top 30 Prospects list gets midseason update: Alex Bregman, Daz Cameron and Kyle Tucker all check in in the top five.

AL West Race:

Alfredo Simon fires 1-hitter to beat Rangers
Alfredo Simon threw aside his summer struggles by throwing a one-hitter for his first career shutout, delivering the Tigers their first three-game winning streak since June with a 4-0 victory over the Rangers on Thursday night at Comerica Park.

Tropeano tripped up in difficult fifth
Nick Tropeano struggled and RBIs from Mike Trout and Albert Pujols couldn't close the gap as White Sox beat Angeles 8-2.

Trade News:

Rangers Acquire Will Venable, Designate Michael Choice
Thursday update: Right-hander Jon Edwards is the player to be named, but must now clear waivers before the deal can be finalized.

Tigers Acquire Randy Wolf From Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have traded veteran left-hander Randy Wolf, who had been with the team’s Triple-A affiliate, to the Tigers in exchange for cash considerations.

Giants Acquire Marlon Byrd
The Giants have traded for outfielder Marlon Byrd, as Nori Aoki, Angel Pagan, and Hunter Pence are all struggling with various injuries at the moment. Get more details on the swap at MLB Trade Rumors.