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Just over a month from trading deadline, here is the Rangers immediate need

NEW YORK -- With just over a month until the trading deadline, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels' first priority is simple: Know thy self.

Daniels said Monday the club is more concerned right now about getting a better feel for where rehabbing pitchers are than on pursuing a move. The trade deadline passes on August 1.

The Rangers have three starters - Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis - and relievers Keone Kela and Tanner Scheppers on the disabled list. Kela might be ready to help the bullpen before the All-Star break. Darvish and Holland could return shortly thereafter. Scheppers isn’t expected before the end of July; Lewis not until late August.

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Kela is expected to face hitters in a live bullpen session Wednesday and could go out on a rehab assignment perhaps by the weekend. Daniels said he is the “closest” to returning. Darvish could also throw to hitters Wednesday, but as a starter, he will need more time to get ready.

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“We want to get our arms around where our guys are,” Daniels said. “We want to know who will be back and what to expect from them. We’re spending most our time on that.”

Daniels said, however, the Rangers won’t take their big division lead for granted. When asked if the 10-game lead over Houston in the AL West would allow the Rangers a little more patience in figuring out their needs, Daniels disagreed.

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“We’re aware of where we are, but I try not to look at things that way,” Daniels said. “We’re very cognizant of what can happen quickly.”

There are other issues the Rangers must answer.

Namely it is this: Are they willing to trade top minor league talent in a deal for a rental player or would they look to do the same thing they did last summer by acquiring pitchers who would be under long-term control?