What happened: Ahead of the MLB trade deadline, the Houston Astros sit at 42-44, two games below .500. The club has steadied recently, winning two in a row and four of its last five.
Why it matters: The deadline decision carries real weight for a franchise built around deep October runs. Sitting under .500 sharpens the buy-or-sell question, one already floated when Houston was sized up among potential deadline sellers earlier this month.
By the numbers: Houston Astros: 42-44 this season, winners of two straight and four of their last five. Scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 5.0.
What to watch: Houston's play over the coming weeks figures to tip the front office toward adding or subtracting as the deadline approaches.