Rangers could trade lefty Cotts, or re-sign him

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers continue to field trade calls on relief pitcher Neal Cotts, but there were no indications that something would get done before the 3 p.m. CT Thursday non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Another option could be preferable to the Rangers. They are considering the possibility of re-signing Cotts, who could be a free agent after the season.

"That wouldn't be bad," Cotts said. "Not at all, with the people we have coming back. We have had quite a few injuries and we have underplayed somewhat, but I think it will be a different situation next year. We're going to have a good ballclub."

If so, the Rangers could use a left-hander reliever who entered play Tuesday with five consecutive scoreless outings and had a 2.19 ERA in his last 39 outings. He came into the game against the Yankees 2-5 with a 3.20 ERA.

Right now, most of the Rangers' trade discussions have revolved around Cotts and outfielder Alex Rios. The Rangers have an option on Rios for $12.5 million for next season, so they aren't interested in just giving him away. The Rangers are likely to finish the season under budget after trading Joakim Soria to the Tigers last week. As with Cotts, the Rangers expect a reasonable return on Rios, and they would strongly consider the possibility of bringing him back in 2015.