The Upper Deck

Welcome to The Upper Deck, Baseball America’s daily look at the biggest stories around the game and some lighter fare.

HELPING HOUSTON

.@Carlos96munoz updated his patch. #harvey #playersweekend #astros pic.twitter.com/WGNonMfyYk

— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) August 27, 2017

With Harvey pounding Houston, the Astros were forced to move their series with the Rangers to Tampa, after the Rangers reportedly refused to swap home series.

Minor league clubs stepped up as well to help victims of Harvey’s floodwaters. Josh Norris has the rundown.

THE FLYING PILLAR

Kevin Pillar is known for his highlight-reel catches, but Monday’s grab against the Red Sox had Mookie Betts in shock and Marcus Stroman applauding.

ROCKET MAN

The Cubs’ Javy Baez shows off his amazing athleticism and rocket arm to nip the Pirates’ Jose Osuna at first base.

CHECKING ON OTANI

Shohei #Otani has five homers so far this year. pic.twitter.com/nnA1YI10i8

— Joseph Kim (@blackwings2011) August 17, 2017

A week after Dodgers brass traveled to Japan to watch two-way NPB star Shohei Otani, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman reportedly was making the same trip. Otani is considered the top international player and could be posted by his team, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, this winter. The Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox have all added international bonus pool money by trading players this season.

OVER FOR WRIGHT?

Unfortunately, David Wright’s rehab assignment has been terminated. Here is a statement from the captain. #mets pic.twitter.com/kj3RfJ71Q3

— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) August 28, 2017

Could David Wright’s career be over? The Mets third baseman, who has not played in a big league game since May 2016 as he deals with complications of spinal stenosis as well as a shoulder issue, shut down his rehab assignment at high Class A. He will return to New York to be re-examined. Wright surprisingly returned to the field in the Florida State League last week and Mets executives were said to be optimistic he could play with the big club in September, but he felt soreness in his right shoulder. He has three years and $47 million remaining on his contract.