It’s clear that pitching was an emphasis for the Texas Rangers in this year's MLB draft, with 65% of their picks coming at that position. The Rangers selected 1

The Texas Rangers spent the first half of the regular season in search of answers. They tweaked their lineup in each and every direction. They fired a hitting coach and hired a hitting coach. They demoted players and promoted players.

The trade deadline is approaching, and the Rangers are at a crossroads. Sitting just under .500 and still in the playoff hunt, will Texas buy, sell or do both? Here’s what to know as the second half begins.

Despite having a record below .500, the Texas Rangers had some bright spots — namely, the pitching and some recent success at the plate.

The time table has moved up on Jon Gray’s return to the Rangers’ pitching staff. Gray, out all season due to a fractured wrist, will make a third rehab appearance on Saturday, and then, manager Bruce Bochy said “it’s a good chance he will be with us.

Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez has taken part in a workout with the Texas Rangers in anticipation that he will be added to their roster before the first game after the All-Star break.

The Texas Rangers entered the All-Star break under .500, but they are still in the hunt for a playoff spot based on their positioning in the Wild Card race. Whi

The bad: According to Tankathon’s strength of schedule index, home or away, the Rangers schedule is difficult. With their remaining opponents having a .513 composite winning percentage, the schedule ranks as the sixth toughest. The glimmer here: Boston’s is tougher at .516.