Angels, Braves reportedly add relief arms as Rangers continue search for bullpen help

The hot stove is starting to heat up.

Three relievers reportedly went off the market Wednesday as the Los Angeles Angels acquired right-hander Luis Garcia and left-hander Andrew Chafin from the Washington Nationals, according to reporting from ESPN’s Jeff Passan and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Additionally, Colorado Rockies right-hander Tyler Kinley is headed to the Atlanta Braves, as first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

The moves have begun to shrink the reliever market for a Rangers squad that has made adding a relief arm its priority ahead of the July 31st trade deadline. The Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant reported Tuesday that Texas had engaged Colorado about a trio of relief arms, including Kinley. The other two — closer Jake Bird and righty Victor Vodnik — are still on the market.

The Rangers have also been linked to two other closer options in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ David Bednar and St. Louis Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley ahead of the deadline. The club has also held at least some preliminary discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays about closer Pete Fairbanks, who the Rangers drafted in 2015.

Rangers

Texas vaulted itself into the thick of trade deadline discussions after a near-perfect homestand put them in striking distance of a place in the postseason. It remains to be seen how aggressive the Rangers will be in adding, including whether they will surpass the $241 million tax threshold to strengthen this year’s roster.

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