Dana Brown's options for a left-handed bat could include an infielder or outfielder with possible return of Jose Altuve to second base.

A Twins utilityman might make more sense than Arizona's third baseman, plus notes on other deadline options and Cam Smith's recent slide.

With the MLB trade deadline less than a week away, the Houston Astros are expected to be buying talent to bolster their injured roster. Houston could bring in a left fielder or second baseman. But after the injury to Isaac Paredes, their plans have taken a turn.