Texas Rangers dealing with injuries to two of their biggest trade chips

Whether we like it or not, the Texas Rangers are tumbling their way to another “selling” trade deadline. The team is 16 games under .500, and firmly out of the playoff conversation in the American League. While the team could always harpoon their way back up to the top of the AL West over the course of the summer, such a developmental feels pretty unlikely.

With that in mind, the best thing the team’s front office could do is finding a way to flip some of their older players for future assets. The likes of Joey Gallo, Ian Kennedy, and Kyle Gibson are the most notable trade chips currently on the roster. Flip all three, and the Rangers could be looking at a pretty sweet influx of young talent at this year’s trade deadline.

While it’s no time to panic quite yet (it’s only June), some developing injury news has put a small bump in the road in regards to such a plan. Both Gallo and Kennedy were reportedly dealing with some nagging injury issues during last night’s loss to the San Francisco Giants. Gallo was pulled from the affair due to precautionary reasons, and Kennedy was deemed unavailable working out of the bullpen.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Halicke, Gallo was experiencing some right groin tightness and Kennedy hamstring soreness.

Major Texas Rangers trade chips, Joey Gallo and Ian Kennedy, are both dealing with some tightness/soreness.

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As previously stated, it’s only June 9th – there’s plenty of time between now and the July trade deadline. However, managing the health and well-being of both Gallo and Kennedy should be atop the Texas Rangers priority list as things currently stand. They’ve already dodged one injury scare with Kyle Gibson (he appeared to return off the IL in solid condition), the last thing they need is further issues surrounding their top trade assets.

Keeping all three of these players (especially Gallo) healthy and in shape heading into the trade deadline is what’s going to guarantee Texas’ ability to land a few above average/elite prospects.

At the moment, Gallo and Kennedy appear to be fine long-term, but definitely something to keep an eye on over the course of June.

UPDATE: Ian Kennedy was just placed on the 10-day IL: