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MLB Week-in-Review: Astros seeking starting pitching, Rays plagued by injuries

Houston has had success of late but the Rays' rotation has been plagued by several injuries.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay's rotation has been plagued by several injuries and the Astros are in pursuit of starting pitching. Here are this week's top headlines:

Astros want to add starting pitching

Houston's opening day payroll was $72 million a hot start may lead the front office to consider spending this summer. Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto could be available and Aaron Harang may be an intriguing option. ESPN's Keith Law believes the Astros have the third best minor league system in baseball and as a result might have expendable pieces.

Rays' Alex Cobb to undergo Tommy John surgery

Cobb was on the disabled list with tendinitis but had started to throw again before being shut down. He posted a 2.87 ERA in 166.1 innings last season and was Tampa Bay's best starter in 2014.

Devin Mesoraco out with hip surgery

Mesoraco posted 25 home runs last season but was batting .083 through 11 games. Season-ending surgery remains an option.

Alex Guerrero drawing interest

Guerrero has had a fast start to the 2015 campaign and as a result the Dodgers rookie is drawing a notable amount of interest. Los Angeles has several options at third base and may be open to dealing Guerrero before the deadline.

Diamondbacks sign Jarrod Saltalamacchia to minor league deal

Saltalamacchia struggled offensively with the Marlins and ultimately lost his starting job to J.T. Realmuto. His bat could warm up, however mixed reviews from starting pitchers and offensive inconsistencies led Miami to move on.

Royals add Drew Butera

Kansas City missed out on Saltalamacchia and as a result acquired Butera to be its backup catcher. Butera will backup Salvador Perez behind the plate.

Indians sign Carlos Marmol

Marmol has had control issues in the past but adds depth to Cleveland's bullpen.

Royals' Jason Vargas, Baltimore's Kevin Gausman to DL

Vargas is out with a flexor strain while Gausman has been plagued by shoulder tendinitis.

Detroit also placed Alex Avila on the 15-day DL.

Mets' Noah Syndergaard to make major league debut

Dillon Gee is on the DL which allowed the Mets to promote one of their top pitching prospects.

Red Sox option Allen Craig

Craig struggled at the plate before being demoted. Boston also considered trading him.

Drew Smyly expected to undergo season-ending surgery

The Rays placed Drew Smyly on the disabled list with back stiffness and tightness on Friday, and according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times, Smyly has also suffered from a tear in his labrum that is expected to require season-ending surgery.

Athletics acquire Edward Mujica

The Red Sox designated Mujica for assignment and will join a struggling bullpen in Oakland.