The Texas Rangers were among the busiest teams at the trade deadline, enhancing an already strong pitching staff.
Heading into the deadline, the Rangers were on a hot streak, playing some of their best baseball of the season. This surge helped them gain traction in the American League Wild Card race, positioning them as active buyers.
Texas figured to be a team that was going to be looking for a slugger to help what has been a stagnant lineup at times, and also some help for the bullpen.
Shockingly, their top addition was starting pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The veteran right-hander improves what has already been one of the best starting rotations in baseball.
However, they did upgrade their bullpen with the addition of left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe and right-handed pitcher Phil Maton.
Both of the new relief pitchers have reported to the team and will be active against the Seattle Mariners.
To make room, the Rangers optioned down top prospect Kumar Rocker to Triple-A. The right-hander is highly regarded in the system for Texas, but with the starting rotation being stacked, he is going to be the odd man out for the time being.
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