With the Texas Rangers likely to deal at least two, if not three of their key relief pitchers prior to the July 31 trade deadline, every time they see a young arm do well in the bullpen it's going to be a positive shot of confidence moving forward without the likes of Joakim Soria, and more likely Jason Frasor and Neal Cotts.
Add Roman Mendez to that list, as the young Dominican pitcher has made two appearances since his call up from Triple-A Round Rock this week, and has dazzled in both appearances.
On Thursday, despite all the bad that happened, Mendez allowed just one hit in 2 2/3 innings of relief after Colby Lewis allowed 13 runs. That followed up his big-league debut when he fired two scoreless innings against Houston and got out of a jam.
With Mendez up and pitching well, and Feliz back in the fold, it allows the Rangers more latitude to deal guys like Cotts, Frasor and possibly Soria, who has an option for 2015 at a good club-friendly price for an accomplished closer.
