The Rangers series features a possible reunion with an old friend Aug. 13. That's when Merrill Kelly, the longtime Diamondbacks right-hander, is scheduled to start for the Texas Rangers, to whom Kelly was traded at the July 31 MLB trade deadline.

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