Houston ace Framber Valdez expresses frustration over defensive positioning during the Astros' loss to the Washington Nationals.

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.

Houston Astros star Jeremy Pena is closing in on a return to the major league roster, as he'll begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Sugar Land. He's been out with a fracture in his ribs.

This affiliate content is not influenced by our advertising relationships, but AP and Data Skrive might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content.

Dana Brown's options for a left-handed bat could include an infielder or outfielder with possible return of Jose Altuve to second base.

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

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.