SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Left-hander Yohander Mendez left Sunday’s start against the D-backs with tightness in his left elbow. Mendez exited with one out in the third inning after facing 12 batters. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.

Mendez made five starts and three relief appearances for the Rangers last year, and he is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Nashville. He has allowed 10 runs, nine earned, on 17 hits and three walks in 10 1/3 innings over five Cactus League appearances.