Texas Rangers News: A troubling ace, roster shuffles, and a key bat on fast track

When Merrill Kelly was acquired by the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline, Chris Young got one of the best starting pitchers on the market. Unfortunately, the move hasn't worked out all that well.

After a very good start in his first outing, a mental breakdown and the lack of offensive backup led to a loss. The story on Friday night was quite a bit different. He managed to last just 4.1 innings, walking 5, and allowing 5 hits, 2 home runs, and 4 earned runs. He also didn't get any run support in the 9-1 loss.

After the game, Kelly admitted that his latest outing simply wasn't good enough for a Texas Rangers team that is trying to secure a postseason spot. After the game, he acknowledged that some of his issues are adjusting to going from the NL to the AL. "I still have to be the guy that these guys had the faith in to trade for. I still have to do my job. Can't use that as an excuse."

Jake Burger is back, and Alejandro Osuna is back down

The Rangers got a long-awaited bat back in the form of first baseman Jake Burger. Because the team wants to keep as much offense on the major league roster as possible, Rowdy Tellez stuck around, and rookie outfielder Alejandro Osuna has been sent back to Round Rock.

It's not as though Texas has lost any real offense. He slashed .158/.290/.211/.501, but he has shown flashes. The question is just how the team will use Tellez, Joc Pederson, and Burger since none of them can play the outfield anymore.

Chris Martin throws first bullpen for Texas Rangers

39-year-old reliever Chris Martin is on his way back to the team. On Friday, he threw his first bullpen session. He'll need to throw another one before he begins a rehab assignment. However, he could return to the Rangers by the end of the month.

Evan Carter might avoid a rehab stint

Evan Carter played catch and ran Friday for the first time since back spasms landed him on the injured list Sunday. He received injections earlier this week to help alleviate the injury and, according to Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, has "really come along well." Carter might be back sooner rather than later, as the team hasn't decided if he'll need a rehab assignment.