ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers face an increasingly complicated scenario as the MLB trade deadline approaches, compounded by significant uncertainty at the catcher position.

The team’s situation has been notably unstable this week, fluctuating between first place and outside the playoff picture in the American League West. Adding to their challenges, both opening day catchers now are sidelined with elbow issues. Kyle Higashioka was placed on the injured list on Wednesday due to a problem with the flexor mass near his right elbow, joining Danny Jansen, who has been out since early June and is attempting to resume throwing despite ongoing pain.

Higashioka’s timeline for return remains indeterminate. Jansen is currently evaluating whether he can manage the discomfort or will need to undergo internal brace surgery, a procedure whose timing will affect his availability for the 2027 season. “I’m trying to ramp up, so we are trying to push through some pain and see how it responds,” Jansen said. “It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s to be expected… We’ll see what it can handle. Because I’m sick and tired of waiting around… and the season’s already kind of going by.”

With their primary options out, the Rangers have turned to Elias Diaz, who on Wednesday marked 10 years of major league service. Diaz is the team’s current starting catcher, with Austin Wynns serving as backup. Both players are 35 and were designated for assignment by their previous teams before joining Texas.

Diaz has seen an increased workload, starting three consecutive games for the first time in his Rangers tenure. However, his offensive production has declined as playing time has risen, with his OPS dropping from .882 in his initial 20 games to .367 since then. Manager Skip Schumacher voiced confidence in Diaz’s ability to carry the starting role. “I think so,” Diaz said. “My body feels great. And playing every day is better for everyone, because you can make adjustments more quickly.”

The catching situation underscores broader roster uncertainty as the Rangers weigh potential moves before the August 4 trade deadline. Key needs include bolstering the bullpen, a right-handed hitting outfielder, and possibly a starting pitcher. Financial constraints and limited prospects make acquiring impact players difficult, especially for premium positions like catcher.

While intriguing catchers such as Shea Langeliers of the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman are theoretically available, their cost in payroll and prospects likely exceeds what the Rangers can afford. Instead, the team may explore other avenues, such as targeting younger pitchers like St. Louis’ Jimmy Crooks or considering trades with the Los Angeles Dodgers that might bring in catching prospect Dalton Rushing, particularly in anticipation of Higashioka’s impending free agency.

The Rangers continue to navigate this period of flux, facing multiple roster gaps and uncertain playoff prospects. With each passing day, new challenges arise, reflecting a franchise at a crossroads as it approaches the season’s critical stretch.