Rangers still coming up empty on starting pitcher

Five hours remain until the trade deadline arrives at 3 p.m., and the Rangers are not making much headway toward a starting pitcher.

The latest arm they've checked in on is Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, a former ALCS MVP with Tampa Bay. But Garza has been sidelined with a triceps injury, and only Monday threw his first bullpen session since leaving his last start July 21 after three innings.

The Rangers see him as a risk, even though Cubs manager Dale Sveum told beat writers the bullpen went well, and they've made little progress this morning toward a deal.

Garza, though, would be back for 2013 as he's arbitration-eligible for one more year. He is making $9.5 million this year, so the Rangers would be looking at around $3 million this year and maybe $12 million in 2013.

His return next season could be a key in the Rangers' thinking if they are fearing the worst with Neftali Feliz (elbow). Expect to hear on Feliz after the trade deadline passes.

-- Jeff Wilson