They are most likely going to have to trade for a utility infielder at the deadline. Duran, Ornelas, and Ahmed are not going to cut it.
If Sborz, Bradford and Gray all return healthy we may not need a relief pitcher at the deadline. There is still a long time left for someone to get hurt and change that completely though.
We really need Carter back by the deadline. That would free them to be able to trade Leody.
As far as winning games right now, Ezequiel Duran is easily the best backup MIF to have on the bench. Is there longterm value for having him play every day for Round Rock? Maybe a little, but maybe none at all. If being sent down motivates him to try harder to adjust up here then that could be a positive. I am just not sure that it will work that way.
It is not that Duran is going to help out much, but in comparison to the other two guys, he should be the easy choice.
Former Rangers prospect, Zak Kent, made his debut last night against the Yankees. He pitched 3 innings and allowed 1 run while striking out 4. Like Ragans, he has also worked with Tread Athletics.