RHP Roman Mendez optioned to Round Rock

Arlington, Texas - The Texas Rangers today announced that right-handed pitcher Roman Mendez has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. 

That spot on the active roster will be taken by left-handed pitcher Martin Perez, who will be activated from the 60-day disabled list on Friday to start that night against the Astros in Houston.

The Rangers' probable pitchers for the club's upcoming series at Minute Maid Park will be:

Friday (7:10)-LHP Martin Perez (1st start)
Saturday (6:10)-RHP Colby Lewis (8-4, 4.77)
Sunday (1:10)-RHP Yovani Gallardo (7-8, 2.62)

Perez is scheduled to make his first major league start since May 10, 2014 when he lost to Boston at Globe Life Park. He was placed on the DL on May 14 and had Tommy John surgery to repair a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow on May 19. The left-hander was 4-3, 4.38 in eight total starts a year ago, going 4-0, 1.42 in his first five outings of the year. He has a career major league record of 15-13 with a 4.13 ERA in 40 games/34 starts.

Perez was 0-1, 4.56 (13 ER/25.2 IP) in six starts on rehab assignment at Double-A Frisco (3.18 ERA in 2 GS) and Round Rock (0-1, 4.95 in 4 GS). He lost to New Orleans, 7-4 on Sunday night in his last outing (6.0 IP, 12 H, 5 R-ER, 0 BB, 4 SO, 96 pitches).

Mendez was recalled by Texas on July 11 but did not appear in a game in his second stint with the Rangers this season.