Zach Britton Reportedly a 'Serious' Trade Target for Astros

With the Houston Astros exploring roster upgrades before Monday's non-waiver trade deadline, Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton is reportedly high on their radar.             

On Saturday, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported the Astros are "among the most serious" suitors for Britton. 

It's not clear at this point if the Orioles are seriously considering dealing Britton. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported Wednesday the Astros "might be the team most willing to take a risk" on the southpaw. 

An All-Star in 2015 and 2016, Britton has been limited to 17 games this season because of two separate stints on the disabled list with a forearm strain. He returned July 5 and has made nine appearances this month, though he's looked rusty with 13 hits, seven strikeouts, four walks and six runs allowed over nine innings. 

The Astros' one weakness this season has been in the bullpen. Their 4.20 ERA ranks 17th in Major League Baseball, and they've been heavily used with the seventh-most innings thrown (355.1) in 101 games.