Rangers’ ongoing injury woes wreak havoc on Express’ roster

When the Texas Rangers suffer, the Round Rock Express usually suffer along with them.

Each team resides in last place through one-fifth of the season. A slew of injuries has been a mitigating factor for the Rangers (1220), and that trickles down to the Triple-A club.

On Thursday, Texas recalled starting pitcher Yohander Mendez, even though he was struggling for Round Rock (10-17), which returns home Friday night against Iowa.

Mendez, arguably the organization’s top pitching prospect, made five starts for the Express this season and was 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA. Control issues continue to dog the 23-yearold Venezuelan left-hander who has walked 14 in 24 innings. He has 15 strikeouts.

Texas already has promoted four pitchers from Round Rock, even though the Express’ staff ERA of 4.98 is 10th in the 16-team Pacific Coast League.

There’s not a lot of help to be had, but the Rangers need to try fresh arms anyway because their 4.93 staff ERA is 25th in the major leagues.

Offensively, first baseman Ronald Guzman and utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who both started the year in Round Rock, are every day players for Texas, at least at the moment.

Kiner-Falefa has been a surprise, batting .278. Guzman, after an encouraging start, has dipped to .212 with one homer and nine RBI in 14 games.

RICARDO BRAZZIELL / AMERICAN-STATESMAN When the Rangers have injury problems, they recall players from Round Rock. So far they’ve called up four pitchers off the Express roster.