According to The Athletic, the Padres are only interested in trading him if they can improve their current major-league roster. But the Astros might have an excess of starters after Spencer Arighetti, J.P. France and Cristian Javier return from injuries as expected in August or September.

Cease, who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, would be a rental for the current AL West leaders.

Surrounding the Padres, there is now conflicting reports regarding the trade deadline status of Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez.