Report: Astros doing background work on Twins' Santana

The Houston Astros could be turning to the Twin Cities for rotation help.

Seeking a "true difference maker" to complement a starting corps headlined by the finally healthy Dallas Keuchel, the Astros are reportedly doing background work on Minnesota Twins starter Ervin Santana as the trade deadline approaches, according to Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press.

A source familiar with the team's search told Berardino they are "sure (Ervin) Santana will be looked at closely," though Houston is said to be concerned by a small dip in velocity in Santana's fastball.

After touching 93.53 mph in his first start of the season against the Kansas City Royals, Santana maxed maxed out at just 92.57 mph on his four-seamer in his start Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Brooks Baseball.

If Santana is dealing with a velocity issue, though, it hasn't hampered his performances on the mound. The 34-year-old is crafting a 3.37 ERA in 21 starts this season, while his three complete-game shutouts are the most in all of baseball.