Astros Crawfish Boil: July 28, 2023

Welcome to the Friday Boil!

Houston Astros News

Former Astros scouts still rooting for $1,000 signees who are saving Houston’s season (theathletic.com)

Astros’ Framber Valdez and Hector Neris host bowling charity event (click2houston.com)

Report: Rangers, Astros linked to Verlander ahead of deadline (thescore.com)

Snag a selfie with the 2022 World Series trophy at McCormick Field (wlos.com)

Who could Astros actually acquire at trade deadline? (chron.com)

Marcus Semien speaks up, benches clear, and Astros-Rangers rivalry gets back some spice (theathletic.com)

Astros rookie emergence raises the stakes for rotation, playoffs (houston.sportsmap.com)

AL West News

Aidan Smith, Mariners’ Pick: A Revelation in Texas Baseball (bvmsports.com)

Seattle Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto wary of making big moves at MLB Trade Deadline: “We’re going to try to avoid stupid things” (sportskeeda.com)

MLB rumors: Mariners to move Teoscar Hernandez ahead of trade deadline? (clutchpoints.com)

“The Ownership Is Trash” Claim Fans After a “Rushed Effort” Brings Back the Oakland Athletics in the Center of Controversy (essentiallysports.com)

Milwaukee Brewers-Oakland Athletics: Evaluating A Trade Proposal That Swaps 2 MLB Ready Prospects (wisportsheroics.com)

Oakland Athletics optimistic about injured players’ return (bvmsports.com)

Angels’ trade with White Sox proves they’re all-in with Shohei Ohtani (usatoday.com)

Angels: Shohei Ohtani No Longer Available, Halos Makes First Move as Buyer for Playoff Push (sportsworldnews.com)

What the Angels’ wild 24 hours meant for Shohei Ohtani, his teammates and their 2023 hopes (theathletic.com)

Texas Rangers Full Trade Deadline Preview (dallasnews.com)

Texas Rangers Owner Ray Davis Getting Involved in Trade Talks Ahead of MLB Trade Deadlne (bvmsports.com)

1 frontrunner appears to be emerging for Justin Verlander (larrybrownsports.com)

7 Shohei facts about one of the best days baseball has ever witnessed (mlb.com)

MLB News

Trade Deadline Insider: Verlander, Arenado, best player available (mlb.com)

Marlins acquire veteran closer Robertson from Mets (mlb.com)

Pros and cons of 9 top trade candidates (mlb.com)

Mikolas, Marmol ejected after Contreras injured on Happ’s backswing (mlb.com)

As Miggy returns to Miami, a look back at his Marlins origin story (mlb.com)

Rafaela scores from first ... on a pitch in the dirt? (mlb.com)

Astros Birthdays

Thursday

Backstop Jack Hiatt (81) caught 79 games for the Astros in 1971 and 1972. A notably patient hitter, Hiatt drew walks about 17 percent of the time resulting in a .266/.393/.347 slashline.

Friday

RHP Henry Sosa (38) took 10 turns in Houston’s 2011 rotation, going 3-5 with a 5.23 ERA. He struck out 38 in 53 ¹⁄₃ innings and posted a 1.444 WHIP. It was the only time he appeared at the major league level.

RHP Chad Paronto (48) came out of the bullpen for the Astros a dozen times in 2008 and 2009. In 17 frames he had a 7.41 FIP and ERA both, with seven whiffs in 17 innings and a 1.706 WHIP.

Outfielder Dick Simpson (80) played the last part of 1968 with the Astros. He hit .186 in 59 games with three home runs and 11 RBI.