The Texas Rangers have slipped up a bit after the trade deadline, losing two straight games to the Seattle Mariners. With the American League West shaping up to be a tight race, every game against division opponents is going to be key to making the playoffs.

On Thursday, the Rangers' rotation had an MLB-best 3.16 ERA. It’s only going to get better. With less than an hour to go until Thursday's 5 p.m. CT Trade Deadline, Texas acquired Merrill Kelly from the Diamondbacks for a trio of pitching prospects.

The Texas Rangers have acquired veteran right-handed starting pitcher Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced Thursday. The Diamondbacks receive minor-leag