PHOENIX -- The Astros’ trip to the desert this week brought more injury concerns, with the news that All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes had suffered a significant hamstring injury that could threaten his availability for the rest of the season. In addition, right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. flew back to Houston on Tuesday after landing on the injured list with a blister on a finger on his right hand.

McCullers became the 17th Astros player to be on the injured list, which includes seven starting pitchers and five position players who were in Houston’s Opening Day lineup. The Astros have managed to stay comfortably atop the American League West standings despite losses of key players like pitchers Ronel Blanco, Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia, All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña, outfielder Jake Meyers and slugger Yordan Alvarez.

With the Trade Deadline about one week away, the Astros’ list of needs may be growing. The club was already in the market for a left-handed bat, which general manager Dana Brown acknowledged earlier this month after Alvarez suffered a setback in his return from a fractured hand. The club could also use another starting pitcher and a right-handed reliever, which is a large shopping list.

https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/how-astros-injuries-could-affect-trade-deadline-approach