PCL1 Round Rock Express

Mendez, Smolinski Receive Big League Promotions

Published on July 7, 2014 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Round Rock Express News Release


ROUND ROCK, Texas - The Texas Rangers announced Monday that they have recalled RHP Roman Mendez and purchased the contract of LF Jake Smolinski from the Round Rock Express. Both will be in uniform and looking to make their major league debut tonight as the Rangers welcome the Houston Astros to Arlington.

Mendez, who had been with the Express since opening day, went 0-1 with three saves and a 4.02 ERA in his first 25 appearances at the Triple-A level. In 31.1 innings, the hard-throwing right-hander recorded 30 strikeouts while walking 12. Mendez, 23, was originally signed by the Boston Red Sox in 2007 out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic before being acquired in the July 31, 2010 trade involving Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Smolinski, 25, joined Round Rock on June 26 after spending the first half of the season at Double-A Frisco. In eight games with the Express, the outfielder hit .267 (8-for-30) with six doubles, six RBI and seven runs scored. While at Frisco, he batted .267 (71-for-266) with 10 homers and 35 RBI and was named to the Texas League North All-Star squad.

To make room for Mendez and Smolinski on the 25-man roster, Texas has optioned OF Michael Choice to Round Rock and designated INF Donnie Murphy for assignment. Choice, a Pacific Coast League Post-Season All-Star in 2013 while with Sacramento, hit .177 (35-for-198) with eight homers and 28 RBI in 69 games with the Rangers prior to being optioned. Murphy played in six games with the Express while on rehab assignment earlier in the year.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 7, 2014


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