Over the past two seasons, the Texas Rangers have had success with getting help for the postseason at the waiver trade deadline, which is today, Aug. 31 at 11 p.m. CDT.
Two years ago, the Rangers acquired Jeff Francouer and Matt Treanor, both of whom served a legitimate purpose on the team that won the Rangers' first playoff series and went to their first World Series. Last season, the Rangers went and added left-handed depth to their bullpen when they acquired Mike Gonzalez, who went on to have a few big innings in relief, most notably in a close ALDS win over the Tampa Bay Rays.
So is there help coming today? There are a few spots the Rangers could use some help.
Once again, a left-handed pitcher out of the bullpen is a concern, considering the only lefties in the Rangers' pen are Robbie Ross and an up-and-down Michael Kirkman. However, Koji Uehara's return from the DL plays in here considering Uehara's great success against left-handed bats.
They could also use a bat off the bench, but there are also several options in the minors for that role, including Jurickson Profar, Julio Borbon and Brandon Snyder. None of those big names that cause too much excitement, but that could be the route the Rangers take.
Time will tell, and we'll know in a matter of hours if the Rangers and Jon Daniels add anyone.
