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

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/rangers as Analyzing Rangers Trade for Merrill Kelly Being Deemed a Great Move. The Texas Rangers have slipped up a bit after the trade deadline, losing two straight games to the Seattle Mariners.

On top of that, the Rangers sent Arizona three minor league pitchers: LHP Kohl Drake, their closest-ready minor league starter, rising prospect David Hagaman and LHP Mitch Bratt. It’s safe to say the trade for Kelly was a vote of confidence in the team as the Rangers enter the home stretch in a tight playoff race.