The Nationals had their first winning week in about two months. Now they are looking to win their third straight series in Houston. It is a different looking Astros team to the one we are used to due to injury but they are still a force in the AL West.

Part of why Houston struggled against the Athletics is health, as shortstop Jeremy Peña (rib) and third baseman Isaac Paredes (hamstring) are both on the 10-day IL. Peña leads the team with a .322 batting average, which also ranks third in baseball. Meanwhile, Paredes tops the squad with 19 homers.

A Twins utilityman might make more sense than Arizona's third baseman, plus notes on other deadline options and Cam Smith's recent slide.

Jon Singleton, a 33-year-old former top MLB prospect, could soon be looking for a new home after being designated for assignment.

It is no secret what the Houston Astros are looking to acquire ahead of the MLB trade deadline this year. General manager Dana Brown has not been shy about sayi

Jose Altuve is a veteran of 15 Major League seasons. Cam Smith is a rookie in his first. But both understand that a 162-game schedule will bring ups and downs.