DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - As the trade deadline gets closer, the Texas Rangers are still determining whether they will be buyers or sellers. But after winning 10 of their last 14 games, they appear to be leaning towards adding pieces for a postseason run, according to Jon Morosi.
Morosi says buying is becoming 'more likely,' despite getting inconsistent results from their starting rotation, and the club is evaluating 'controllable starters.'
Up until a two weeks ago, the Rangers had major problems with their rotation as only Mike Minor and Lance Lynn were able to throw more than six innings. Fast forward to today, and suddenly the Rangers have only one spot in the rotation struggling to perform (Drew Smyly).
The club assumed they'd be in a lot of trouble with Shelby Miller getting demoted to the bullpen and Edison Volquez going down with an injury. But the opposite has occurred.
In his last five appearances, Adrian Sampson is 5-0 with a 1.99 ERA. He has 30 strikeouts and just three walks in 31.2 innings pitched during that stretch. Ariel Jurado hasn't been as outstanding but he's been very impressive, earning a quality start in all three of his starts.
Sources: #Rangers have been preparing “buy” and “sell” trade deadline scenarios this year, but buying is becoming more likely, as Texas holds a playoff spot despite an inconsistent rotation. For now, Rangers are evaluating controllable starters. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi)
June 11, 2019 According to MLB Trade Rumors, "Mike Leake of the Mariners and the Giants’ Jeff Samardzija are among the hypothetical possibilities" the Rangers could add without giving up quality prospects in return.
The Rangers are 35-30 and have a two game lead over the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox for the American League's second wild card spot.
