And at the end of all of it, Cease remains in the Padres’ rotation. It was reason to smile Friday as he walked back into the clubhouse he’ll continue to call home as the Padres push for a postseason spot.

The Houston Astros were busy with under two hours left in the MLB trade deadline. Their first move was a wild one, reuniting with Carlos Correa in a trade with the Minnesota Twins. Houston's next deal brought in outfielder Jesus Sanchez to be the team's much-needed left-handed hitting outfielder.

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.