Cease could just be a half-year rental because of all the starting pitchers on Houston's injured list. The Astros have a full rotation sidelined. Lance McCullers, Luis Garcia, Ronel Blanco, Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier and J.P. France are all on the injured list.

The Mariners and Astros are both in the running for one of the top infielders on the market at the trade deadline.

The Houston Astros know they need starting pitching to push forward in their pursuit of the American League West, and they have their eyes set on Dylan Cease.