Yohander Mendez activated, optioned

Texas Rangers transactions: Yohander Mendez has been activated from the 60 day injured list and optioned to AAA Nashville, the Rangers announced today. To make room for him on the 40 man roster, the Rangers transferred pitcher Jesse Chavez from the 10 day injured list to the 60 day injured list.

Mendez, 24, was expected to be rotation depth for the Rangers this season, but suffered an injured elbow in spring training and has spent most of the year on the injured list. He was eligible for a fourth option in 2019, which is why he can be optioned now, but because he has spent virtually all season on the injured list and will have less than 20 days in the minors on an optional assignment, I believe that fourth option should carry over to next season.

The Rangers appear to be shifting Mendez to a relief role, as he has appeared in 9 rehab games in the minors, totaling 14 innings. Reports indicate his velocity is up in the upper 90s in this role, though it remains to be seen whether he can harness it enough to be effective.

It was announced previously that Chavez had a bone spur on his elbow that likely would require surgery to remove. That would end his season, and thus it makes sense he would be transferred to the 60 day injured list at this point, opening up a roster spot.