Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show following the Houston Astros avoiding the sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates with Wednesday's 5-4 victory. The Astros were able to end a three-game losing streak; however, the offense is still "underwhelming," McTaggart said.
Prior to the MLB trade deadline, the Astros traded Jake Bloss, Will Wagner and Joey Loperfido to the Toronto Blue Jays for left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi, adding pitching depth to an injured rotation. "They got a guy who they think can eat innings," and "they don't need him to pitch at this elite level."
While the price was high to acquire Kikuchi, the Astros are "trying to win now," and who knows what prospects like Jake Bloss are "going to be in five years?"
McTaggart also comments on Kyle Tucker moving to the 60-day injured list. Tucker is "not close to a Minor League rehab assignment."