Convenience Big Store: How Astros' trade priorities are shifting as deadline approaches

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Today's starting lineup

It is less than two weeks until MLB's trade deadline, and the Astros are adjusting their priorities.

Originally, it was another bat that seemed to be key. But now, pitching has moved to the top of the list. GM Dana Brown knows there may not be a top of the rotation pitcher available, and although he wouldn't want to part with a top prospect like Drew Gilbert, he knows that winning at the major-league level is the team's main objective.

Chas McCormick has been winning lately. He was named the AL player of the week for his performance. McCormick and the Astros open a two-game series on Tuesday at Colorado. The team also received its official invitation to the White House on Aug. 7 to recognize last year's world champions.

The Rockets wrapped up the NBA's summer league in Las Vegas with a split decision. Cam Whitmore was named the Las Vegas MVP but the team fell in the title to Cleveland when Houston's three-point shooting went off target.

The Texans open training camp next week. To get ready, Jonathan M. Alexander answers readers' questions on C.J. Stroud vs. Davis Mills and other position battles. One thing we do know, the team will wear its "Battle Red" helmets three times next season.

And in college football, it was that big event known as SEC media days. Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies were first up and are saying all the right things about their offense under new coordinator Bobby Petrino. LSU is thinking championship and commissioner Greg Sankey gives his state of the conference address, including the news that next year' s event will be in Dallas.

Stat of the day: 35. Shohei Ohtani hit his 35th home run on Monday to become the third Angel with multiple 35-HR seasons along with Mike Trout (5) and Troy Glaus (2).

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros GM Dana Brown during batting practice before the start of a MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Astros shift focus to pitching as trade deadline approaches

GM Dana Brown said team would balk at trading a top prospect like Drew Gilbert for a top-of-rotation pitcher but notes that winning now is still a top priority.

Player of week: Coming out of the All-Star break, outfielder Chas McCormick totaled seven hits and three home runs in this past weekend's three-game series against the Angels.
President's Day: President Biden officially invites the 2022 World Series champions to Washington D.C.
On deck: Coming out of the All-Star break, the Astros and Rockies have had prolific experiences with seesaw baseball. They meet for two games in Denver.

Rockets / NBA

Cleveland Cavaliers' Emoni Bates, right, dunks against Houston Rockets' Jermaine Samuels Jr. during the first half of a NBA summer league championship basketball game Monday, July 17, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Photo by: John Locher/Associated Press

Rockets fall to Cavaliers in Summer League title game

The Rockets' 3-point shooting fell apart in the championship game.

MVP: Cam Whitmore rebounded from a slide in draft to get top honor in Las Vegas.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson works with Houston Texans quarterbacks C.J. Stroud (7) and Davis Mills (10) during mandatory mini camp on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Texans mailbag: On Stroud vs. Mills, other position battles

Jonathan M. Alexander answers readers' questions about the Texans, including about the competitions at quarterback and middle linebacker entering training camp.

Seeing red: The Texans unveiled their battle red helmets in 2022, and they're bringing them back this season for three of their nine home games.
Knee-jerk reaction: DeAndre Hopkins, the former Texans and Cardinals receiver, had a quick response to anyone questioning his decision to sign with the Titans. He later deleted it.

College Football

Photo by: George Walker IV, Associated Press

Ainias Smith vows A&M's receivers will 'most definitely' be open

As Jimbo Fisher's seat gets hotter, the Aggies will be helped if coordinator Bobby Petrino can open up the offense.

Seeking help: SEC commissioner Greg Sankey looks for outside help on NIL to make it consistent across the nation.
SEC notes: LSU is in a championship state of mind in second year with Brian Kelly.
Flying Owls: Rice offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo offers insight into the Owls' wide receiver corps.