How many of the guys who started in the rotation this season do you think will still be in the rotation after the July 31 Trade Deadline?
-- Joe S., Garland, Texas

The Rangers hope they all are but ...

If you’re talking about who would draw the most interest on the trade market, the two most obvious choices are Mike Minor and Lance Lynn. If you’re asking about health or performance, it’s way too early to jump to conclusions about Shelby Miller and Drew Smyly. Their first two starts were rough, but these two are talented veteran pitchers, and other guys have come back from Tommy John surgery. No doubt it was disappointing to lose Edinson Volquez so quickly, but that should not be viewed as a bad omen for Miller or Smyly.

Finally, if you are asking about Adrian Sampson, yes, he will still be in the rotation after July 31. This guy can pitch. He needed a swing-and-miss weapon and it looks like he has found it with his slider. This guy has a chance to be a major breakthrough for the Rangers.

What is wrong with Rougned Odor? I thought he had it figured out at the end of last year. He seems to have regressed. Any particular reason why?
-- Chris H., Burleson, Texas

Odor had an outstanding spring, but that can often be deceiving for any player. The Rangers need Odor to be more selective at the plate, not chase bad pitches and use the entire field rather than try to pull everything. This isn’t new, other hitting coaches have told him the same things in the past. Odor just needs to “trust the process,” as manager Chris Woodward is fond of saying, and not fall back on bad habits. A 10-game stretch is hardly reason to believe he has regressed.

Why do the Rangers still pitch to Mike Trout?
-- Ben S., Spread Eagle, Wis.

Because they have Major League pitchers who have supreme confidence and believe they can get him out. You try telling Lynn to pitch around Trout. He wasn’t too thrilled about being asked that question the other night after giving up a home run to Trout. However, the Rangers might want to try not throwing fastballs over the middle of the plate. That could be a good place to start.

How long will Texas stick with Delino DeShields in center field?
-- Scott S., York Pa.

All season. DeShields is going to bust out of this slump sooner than later and be an impact player for the Rangers. Woodward believes in him and said Sunday nobody is going anywhere.

What are the chances we see Taylor Hearn start a game for the Rangers this season?
-- Josh H., Waco, Texas

The Rangers are hoping to give their young pitching more time in the Minor Leagues. If that’s not possible, Hearn would get strong consideration if he is pitching well at Triple-A Nashville. He has the stuff, now it’s a matter of refining it into Major League quality. Ariel Jurado is another who would be high on their list.

If Volquez is injured, and any other starters go down, where will the team look for rotation help? It seems like most of the kids in the system are not ready.
-- JR C., Dallas

Remember last year, when the Rangers added Yovani Gallardo, Chris Tillman and Drew Hutchison during the season? The Rangers may have to put out another casting call for guys like that if they take any more hits to the starting pitching depth. It’s way too early to be knocking on other teams’ doors trying to trade for starting pitching, but the Rangers will keep a close eye on the waiver wire.

Are there any possible free-agent relievers still to go after?
-- Travis H., Benbrook, Texas

Sure, Craig Kimbrell -- if you’re willing to meet his asking price. There are actually a few guys out there who have had success in the big leagues and are still being listed as available free agents. That list includes Santiago Casilla, Jim Johnson, Ryan Madson, Blake Wood and A.J. Ramos. Right now, the Rangers are OK in the bullpen.