With several contending teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Washington Nationals improving their lineups at the trade deadline, the Houston Astros - second in the league with 69 wins - decided to stand pat.
The front office's decision appears to have rubbed its ace and 2015 American League Cy Young award winner the wrong way.
"I'm not gonna lie, disappointment is a little bit of an understatement," Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel said when speaking to reporters on Tuesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
"A bunch of teams really bolstered their rosters for the long haul and for a huge playoff push, us kind of staying pat was really disappointing to myself. I know a lot of the guys feel like we can win in here and that's a pretty accurate statement and that's why we built such a great lead. I think now when it comes down to it, we're gonna win for each other," he said.
The Astros did acquire left-hander Francisco Liriano from the Toronto Blue Jays. But after being linked to several big names including Sonny Gray and Zach Britton among others, the club's lack of upgrades was noticeable.
To make matters worse, the Astros placed right-hander Lance McCullers - their second-best starter - on the disabled list with a back injury. He joins Carlos Correa (thumb) and George Springer (quad) as other key members currently sidelined.
