Astros, Athletics have ‘mutual interest’ for Sonny Gray trade

It has been no surprise that the Houston Astros have been on of the most active players when it adding a starting pitcher at the trade deadline. The Astros have been constantly connected to the likes of White Sox LHP Jose Quintana and Athletics RHP Sonny Gray.

It appears the connection has deepened between the Astros and Athletics front office, reports The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo.

The A’s are following the Astros’ system closely. There’s mutual interest in getting something done for Gray as injuries have beset the Astros’ pitching staff and they need reinforcements both in the rotation and the bullpen if they are to continue their great start.

Gray, 27, is 2-2 with a 4.44 ERA in nine starts. He has struck out 53 and walked 17 in 52 2/3 innings. The former first round pick in the 2011 draft is far from his near Cy-Young form in 2015 (14-7, 2.73 ERA in 31 starts). Gray may be a target that won't cut deep into the Astros farm system and still be an upgrade over every pitcher not named Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers.