The Rangers improved an already good rotation as they acquired the contract of Merrill Kelly from the Diamondbacks:

Kelly, 36, is making $7 million in the final season of his contract and has put together a nice year, going 9-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts for a D-backs rotation that has, outside of him, underperformed. Since the start of June, Kelly boasts a 2.56 ERA.

The Diamondbacks are getting left-handed pitchers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt and right-hander David Hagaman from the Rangers in return.

ESPN.com

Throughout his career, Kelly held batters to low BABIPs, and this season is one of his best at .247. He gives them depth down the stretch in case of a major injury.

Drake rose through the Rangers farm system quickly as he combines a high K rate with a low walk rate. Bratt is seasonal age 21and has 123 2/3 AA innings, walking just two batters per 9 IP. Hagaman only pitched 22 1/3 minor league innings, but like his fellow travelers, his K and BB numbers are very good. Both teams did well in this deal.