The Rangers on Thursday began the rush to the trading deadline by sending right-hander Dane Dunning to Atlanta for reliever José Ruiz and cash considerations. The Rangers are believed to have netted a small financial savings, which could come in handy if the club chooses to pursue a late-inning reliever.

This isn't the strongest crop of Rangers minor leaguers, but there are still names to keep an eye on as Texas tries to decide whether to be buyers or sellers.

The Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers have a candidate for their potential management vacancies this offseason.