France, who turned 30 in April, has missed the entire season after undergoing right shoulder surgery last July. The Astros have not announced a potential timetable for France’s return, though it’s worth noting that he must be on the active roster or the 60-day IL by September 1. France is currently on the 60-day IL, so he’s covered there.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/astros as Smoke and Mirrors of Astros Pitching Staff Starting To Get Exposed. It's hard to say there was a more surprising result in the first half of the season than what the Houston Astros accomplished heading into the All-Star break.

Sunday, general manager Dana Brown told the Astros' pre-game radio show "there's a chance" Peña could return without a minor-league rehab assignment, but that Peña will need live at-bats to regain "some type of timing" given his layoff.

Houston's run prevention machine has broken down in July, putting undue pressure on a lineup that is ill-equipped to carry an entire team.

A trade pitch has the Houston Astros acquiring a slugger to bolster their offense ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

Gallen allowed a one-out single to Taylor Trammell in the second inning, then walked Mauricio Dubón. He struck out Chas McCormick and started Matthews with a curveball for a called strike. Gallen came back with a 94.2 mph fastball up in the zone. Matthews drove it 397 feet over the left-center field wall, giving the Astros an early 3-1 lead.

Despite losing their opening series to the Seattle Mariners after the All-Star break, the Houston Astros still are on top of the American League West.

The Houston Astros could pursue a first baseman who doubles as an outfielder to boost their lineup ahead of the upcoming trade deadline.

Pena has already taken on-field batting practice as a part of his ramp-up in Florida, and he's now set to face real pitching "in the next few days," according to manager Joe Espada. The shortstop has been sidelined since late June while dealing with a small rib fracture, but facing live pitching is a substantial step towards returning to action.

The Houston Astros have been piling up injuries as of late which is giving some other players an opportunity to come through for their ball club which includes

The Diamondbacks' four-game winning streak is over after a 6-3 loss to the Astros.