The Rangers will start three of their top pitching prospects at challenging Class A High Desert: RHP Luis Ortiz, LHP Yohander Mendez and RHP Ariel Jurado. It is a change in course for the club, which shied away from exposing its best young pitchers to the hitter-friendly park in the hitter-friendly Cal League. “We feel each guy has developed multiple pitches to a sufficient level to now take on a challenge in High Desert, in the Cal League and to focus on execution and competing,” said director of player development Mike Daly.

Also, the full starting rotation and order for Triple-A Round Rock, which begins its season on Thursday is as follows: RHP Nick Martinez, LHP Cesar Ramos, RHP Nick Tepesch, RHP Anthony Ranaudo and RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez.