Report: Astros ‘doing Background Work’ on Giants Starter for Possible Trade

With Johnny Cueto's status uncertain as the trade deadline approaches, it appears teams are turning their attention to another Giants starter.

The AL-leading Astros are "doing background work" on Jeff Samardzija, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi.

Samardzija is in the second season of a five-year, $90 million contract with the Giants.

While Samardzija's 4-10 record and 4.58 ERA might indicate he's having a down year, he's leading Major League Baseball with a 9.07 K/BB ration. In 118 innings, Samardzija has 127 strikeouts and has allowed just 14 walks.

Sources: #Astros doing background work on Jeff Samardzija as trade candidate. He has thrown 6+ IP in 15 of 18 starts for #SFGiants. @MLB— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 15, 2017