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

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.

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.