(8/6/2010) The Nationals promoted OF Kevin Mench from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday. He will take the roster spot of Nyjer Morgan (hip), who was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Mench has played in seven major league seasons and last appeared in the big leagues with Toronto in 2008. The 32-year-old played in Japan in 2009 and hit .249 with three homers and 40 RBI with Syracuse this year.
Three Nats out of major league camp
(2/23/2010) Three veteran players originally signed to minor league contracts with invites to major league camp have instead been told to report to Washington's minor league camp: OF Kevin Mench and LHPs Chuck James and Mike Venafro.
Nats give Mench spring invite
(2/4/2010) The Nationals signed outfielder Kevin Mench to a minor league contract. He is invited to spring training.
Mench leaves for Japan leagues
(12/1/2008) Former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Mench has signed to play with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan.
Mench designated for assignment
(10/24/2008) The Toronto Blue Jays acquired two of the top four picks in the 2002 draft Friday, signing converted pitcher Adam Loewen to a minor league contract and claiming right-hander Bryan Bullington off waivers. Bullington was selected by Pittsburgh with the top overall selection and Loewen was taken fourth by the Baltimore Orioles. Neither player has panned out so far professionally. To make room on the roster, Toronto designated outfielder Kevin Mench for assignment.
Mench activated by Blue Jays
(9/2/2008) The Blue Jays activated outfielder Brad Wilkerson off the 15-day disabled list Tuesday and recalled right-hander Shaun Marcum, outfielder Kevin Mench, right-hander Scott Richmond, catcher Curtis Thigpen and right-hander Brian Wolfe from Triple-A Syracuse.
Jays send Mench back to minors
(8/25/2008) The Blue Jays optioned outfielder Kevin Mench to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday and sent minor league catcher Robinzon Diaz to Pittsburgh to complete last week's trade for utilityman Jose A. Bautista. Toronto will fill the vacant spot on its roster before opening a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Mench was traded from Texas to Toronto for cash on May 9 and appeared in 42 games with the Blue Jays, batting .253 with nine RBI. A fourth-round pick by the Rangers in 1999, Mench reached the major leagues in 2002. He is a career .269 hitter with 89 home runs and 329 RBI. An ankle injury limited Diaz to 36 games at Syracuse, where he hit .244 with one homer and 13 RBI. He played in one game for Toronto this season, going 0-for-4.
Mench headed down to minors
(8/22/2008)The Sports Xchange notes that Kevin Mench is likely a candidate to be sent to Triple-A Syracuse until the roster can expand on Sept. 1. The Jays must make room for newly added INF Jose Bautista on the 25-man roster when he arrives Friday.
Mench takes Rolen's spot in Toronto
(8/10/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench has been recalled from Triple-A to take the roster spot of Scott Rolen, who was placed on the 15-day DL Sunday.
Jays send Mench back to Triple-A
(8/10/2008)Vernon Wells was activated off the 15-day DL on Sunday, returning to the Blue Jays lineup against the Indians after missing 26 games with a strained left hamstring. Outfielder Kevin Mench was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for Wells, who batted fourth as the designated hitter against Indians left-hander Cliff Lee.
Jays reserve OF a real Mench
(8/7/2008) OF Kevin Mench he singled in the winning run in the ninth inning for the walk-off victory Tuesday. Since being recalled by the Jays on July 11, Mench has appeared in 11 games, going 6-for-21 (.285) with two home runs. Five of his six hits have been doubles.
Mench doubles twice vs. Yankees
(7/13/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench had two doubles and one run in three at-bats Sunday against the Yankees. Mench, who has five doubles, also walked once. It was his first start since being recalled Friday to take the roster spot of Vernon Wells.
Mench to be called up Friday
(7/11/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Toronto will call up outfielder Kevin Mench from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday to take the place of injured outfielder Vernon Wells, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
Mench optioned to Triple-A Syracuse
(6/21/2008) The Blue Jays optioned OF Kevin Mench to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday night and recalled right-handed pitcher Brandon League. Mench saw his average drop to .210 after going 0-for-2 in a 6-3 loss to Pittsburgh. He has no home runs and five RBI this season for a team that has struggled to score.
Mench shows signs of life lately
(6/17/2008) OF Kevin Mench has reached base safely in nine of his past 10 games. Over that time, Mench is hitting .357 (10-for-28). On Sunday, Mench went 0-for-2 to end a five-game hit streak.
Mench nets three hits, three runs
(5/29/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench joined the hitting barrage during Thursday's 12-0 win against the A's with three hits in five at-bats. Mench plated a run on a sac fly in the third and had his first double in the game as well. He scored three times. Mench is 5-for-9 (.556) with two RBI in his last two games.
Mench starts, but goes without hit
(2:01 am ET) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench, who didn't start for five games because of a bruised right knee, returned to the lineup Friday against the Royals. He went 0-for-3 with a walk.
Mench flies out in lone AB
(5/22/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench (knee) did not return to the lineup Thursday against the Angels. He has not started for five straight games, but did pinch hit Thursday. He flied out in place of Joe Inglett in the seventh. Mench is questionable heading into Friday's game against the Royals.
Mench held out a fourth game
(5/21/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench (knee) did not return to the lineup Wednesday against the Angels. He has missed the last four games and remains questionable heading into Thursday's series finale against Los Angeles.
Mench still nursing knee injury
(5/20/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench (knee) did not return to the lineup Tuesday against the Angels. He has missed the last three games and remains questionable heading into Wednesday's game.
Mench stays on bench Sunday
(5/18/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench (knee) did not return to the lineup Sunday against the Phillies. He has missed the last two games and remains questionable heading into Tuesday's game against the Angels.
Mench sidelined for Saturday's game
(5/18/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench, who left Friday's game because of a bruised right knee, remained out Saturday at Philadelphia.
Mench leaves with a bruised knee
(5/17/2008) Blue Jays OF Kevin Mench left Friday's game at Philadelphia in the fourth inning because of a bruised right knee. He is day to day. He went 0-for-1 in the game and is 0-for-6 in his last two.
Mench has just three hits for TOR
(5/16/2008) The Sports XChange reports that the newest Blue Jays are struggling so far. OF Brad Wilkerson went 1-for-6 Thursday at Minnesota. Since joining the Jays on May 9, Wilkerson has gone 3-for-22. OF Kevin Mench went 0-for-5 Thursday and is 3-for-16 since joining the Jays.
Mench draws a walk in TOR debut
(5/10/2008) The Blue Jays failed to score more than five runs for the 22nd time in 23 games Friday at Cleveland, despite adding veteran outfielder Kevin Mench and Brad Wilkerson. Wilkerson, signed as a free agent after being released by Seattle, went 1-for-3. Mench, acquired from Texas for cash, went 0-for-2 with a walk. He also struck out, hit into a double play and was pulled for pinch-hitter Matt Stairs in the eighth.
(5/9/2008) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Rangers have traded Kevin Mench to the Toronto Blue Jays for cash considerations Friday.
Mench not showing much in minors
(5/6/2008) Through 102 at-bats at Triple-A Oklahoma, Rangers OF Kevin Mench is batting only .255 with three home runs. The 30-year-old veteran hopes to return to the majors despite his .738 OPS.
Mench buying his time in minors
(4/10/2008) Rangers OF Kevin Mench has played six games with Triple-A Oklahoma this season. He is hitting .240 with five runs, six doubles and four RBI. He has not homered and has struck out just once in 25 at-bats.
Cruz, Mench, Ellison lose out
(3/26/2008) Manager Ron Washington said IF-OF Jason Botts had made the club over outfielders Nelson Cruz, Kevin Mench and Jason Ellison.
Rangers' Mench plays some first
(3/25/2008)Kevin Mench, who has told the Rangers he would be fine starting the season in the minors, got time at first base Monday. He hopes the added versatility will help him make the team still.
Mench hits three-run homer
(3/9/2008) Texas' Kevin Mench hit a three-run homer off Heath Bell in the seventh inning of a 9-5 loss to the Padres on Saturday.
Mench breaks out the lumber
(2/27/2008) Rangers OF Kevin Mench started and played a full game as the team's designated hitter during Wednesday's spring training opener against the Royals. Mench recorded two singles in four at-bats and even drove in a run.
Mench joins up with Rangers again
(2/12/2008) Free-agent outfielder Kevin Mench signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Tuesday. He will go to spring training with another chance to play for the team where he made his major-league debut. Mench was drafted by the Rangers in 1999, then played in Texas from 2002 until being part of a six-player trade in July 2006 that sent him to Milwaukee and outfielder Carlos Lee to the Rangers.
Rangers think about adding Mench
(2/4/2008) According to The Sports Xchange, the Rangers might sign OF Kevin Mench, 30, as a non-roster invitee and could contend for a backup outfield spot. The Rangers' current candidates to be a right-handed hitting backup outfielder/designated hitter are Jason Botts, Nelson Cruz and Chris Shelton.
Mench non-tendered, becomes FA
(12/13/2007) The Brewers non-tendered outfielder Kevin Mench and RH reliever Matt Wise, making them unrestricted free agents. They had been designated for assignment.
Brewers designate Mench for assign.
(12/10/2007) The Brewers designated OF Kevin Mench for assignment Monday. They have 10 days to trade him, release him or send him outright to the minor leagues.
Mench smacks pinch-hit homer
(9/18/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench, pinch-hitting for Yovani Gallardo, hit a solo homer in the ninth inning of Milwaukee's 6-0 win over the Astros on Monday night.
Mench walks a lot lately
(8/7/2007) LF Kevin Mench has eight walks over the last month after drawing only four before July 15.
Mench doubles twice Sunday
(8/5/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench stroked two doubles, knocked in one run and walked twice during Sunday's game against the Phillies. Mench came into Sunday's game with just one hit in his previous 14 at-bats.
Mench homers to extend streak
(7/19/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench went 1-for-2 with one run, two walks and a two-run homer during Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks. He extended his hitting streak to six games. He is 7-for-19 (.368) with three homers and seven RBI in that span.
Mench ends long homer drought
(6/30/2007)The Sports Xchange notes that Kevin Mench's three-run homer off Chicago lefty Rich Hill in the first inning Friday was his first since hitting a homer off Hill on April 24 at Wrigley Field.
Mench records three RBI Friday
(6/29/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer during Friday's game against the Cubs. The homer extended his hitting streak to six games. He is 8-for-26 (.308) in that span.
Mench throws out two Sunday
(6/25/2007) OF Kevin Mench had two assists from left field Sunday, throwing out Esteban German at second in the fifth inning as German tried to stretch a single into a double, and throwing out Tony Pena at home in the 11th inning as Pena tried to score on a fly ball by Mark Teahen.
Mench seeing limited at-bats
(6/9/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench is still seeing limited at-bats while working in a platoon in the outfield. He has taken 13 at-bats through five June appearances. He has six hits and five RBI during those outings.
Mench starts for injured Jenkins
(6/5/2007) Jenkins (left ankle contusion) is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cubs after leaving Monday's game in the seventh inning. Kevin Mench is getting a rare start in left field in his absence.
Brewers have crowded outfield
(5/23/2007) Manager Ned Yost said it has been difficult trying to get enough playing time for outfielders Corey Hart, Kevin Mench, Gabe Gross and Tony Gwynn Jr. Bill Hall and Geoff Jenkins, the Brewers' other outfielders, play most of the time, although the left-handed hitting Jenkins didn't start against Randy Wolf.
Kevin Mench mired in a slump
(5/19/2007) OF Kevin Mench is hitless in his last 16 at-bats and has only seven hits in his last 50 at-bats. OF Geoff Jenkins is hitless in his last 16 at-bats. The two have been sharing left field, so the Brewers are getting very little offense at that position of late.
Mench still in funk
(5/18/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench grounded out in a pinch-hitting appearance and is now hitless in his last 16 at-bats and has only seven hits in his last 50 at-bats (.140). His average has fallen to .262.
Mench continues struggles
(5/17/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench went 0-for-3 Wednesday and is now hitless in his last 15 at-bats and just 7 for his last 49 (.143).
Mench locked in cold wrench
(5/16/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench is hitless in his last 12 at-bats and is 7 for his last 46 (.152).
(5/6/2007) Brewers LF Geoff Jenkins and 3B Craig Counsell were out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game Saturday with the Pirates using left-handed starters for each game of the series so far.
Brewers happy with OF platoon
(4/26/2007) Brewers manager Ned Yost thinks Kevin Mench and Geoff Jenkins are both too good to be considered platoon players. That doesn't mean he won't use them in platoon manner. Both players balked at the idea of playing in a platoon at the start of spring training, but with the Brewers winning, the issue seems to have faded into the background. Mench is batting .356, Jenkins is batting .352 and Corey Hart is batting .300. Hart figures into the equation because he sometimes vacates his position in right field while both Jenkins and Mench play.
Mench swinging a hot twig
(4/25/2007) Kevin Mench was 2-for-4 with a solo home run (2) in Tuesday's game at Chicago Cubs, as he pushed his batting average to .364.
Miller gets 1B start for Fielder
(4/19/2007) 1B Prince Fielder did not start for the first time of the season Wednesday night. Kevin Mench batted third for Fielder, and Damian Miller played first base. The last time Miller played first was 2001 with the Diamondbacks, but this is his first career start at first. First base was the only position started by only one player for the Brewers until Wednesday night.
Mench hits .750 on Wednesday
(4/19/2007) Brewers OF Kevin Mench went 3-for-4 with two runs, a double and one RBI during Wednesday's 7-3 win over the Pirates. Mench is hitting .368 through 38 at-bats. He also has one homer, four doubles and six RBI.
Brewers juggle corner outfield
(4/5/2007) Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench, who will platoon in left field for a majority of the season, both started Wednesday night. Jenkins started in left, and Mench started in right for Corey Hart.
Mench powers Brewers to win
(4/3/2007) Kevin Mench hit a go-ahead, two-run homer off Randy Wolf in the sixth inning, sending the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. With Milwaukee trailing by a run and one out in the sixth, catcher Johnny Estrada hit a grounder deep in the hole at shortstop and beat the throw for an infield single. Mench, who came to the Brewers in a trade with Texas last July and is expected to platoon with Geoff Jenkins in left field, hit the first pitch he saw from Wolf over the wall in left-center. The homer was Mench's only hit in four at-bats.
Jenkins starts over Mench in LF
(4/2/2007) Geoff Jenkins got the starter over Kevin Mench against a right-hander on opening day. Jenkins then hit a high fly ball that Gonzalez lost track of near the wall. The ball bounced near the warning track, allowing two runs to score and make it 6-1. Jenkins was credited with a double.
Jenkins, Counsell to start opening day
(4/1/2007) According to MLB.com, the Brewers have released their opening day lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers, and manager Ned Yost has penciled in Geoff Jenkins as the starting left field and Craig Counsell as the starting third baseman.
Mench has a sore elbow
(2/28/2007) MLB.com reports that Brewers OF Kevin Mench has a "loose body" in his elbow and plans on playing through it. "I'm hoping it moves again and gets on out of there," he said. "It doesn't hurt when I throw, doesn't hurt when I hit, so I'm just going to keep playing."
Mench doesn't want to platoon
(2/23/2007) According to the team's official site, Geoff Jenkins is not the only Brewers outfielder who wants out if the team is planning a platoon. Kevin Mench, who struggled mightily after a midseason trade from Texas to Milwaukee, said Thursday he will "pitch a fit" if manager Ned Yost institutes a left-right, Jenkins-Mench platoon in left field. Yost has not made public his plans, but has pointed to Jenkins' struggles last season against left-handers and Mench's career success against them as reasons a timesharing agreement could make sense. No thanks, says Mench. "We don't know what their thinking is," Mench said. "Everybody can play every day somewhere, so if they're not going to (let us) do that, we need to go where we can play. It's kind of unnerving not knowing where you'll end up."
Mench in competition for starting gig
(2/11/2007) OF Kevin Mench was awful last season after coming to Milwaukee from Texas in late July in the Carlos Lee trade, batting .230 with one homer and 18 RBIs in 40 games. Mench can't be that bad -- he did hit 25 homers and drive in 73 runs for Texas in 2005 -- and he could re-establish himself as a regular outfielder with a big camp. He'll be hungry to prove that his poor performance with the Brewers was a fluke. Otherwise, he could find himself moved to another club before the end of camp.
Mench, Brewers avoid arbitration
(1/16/2007) Outfielder Kevin Mench and the Brewers agreed to a one-year contract Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration. Mench, who was obtained in a multiplayer trade that sent Carlos Lee to the Texas Rangers last July, hit .230 with one home run and 18 RBI in 40 games for the Brewers last season.
Mench returns to starting lineup
(9/6/2006) LF Kevin Mench returned to the lineup Tuesday and hit sixth. Mench, acquired in the trade for Carlos Lee on July 28, hit .211 in August with no home runs and eight RBI.
Mench too impatient at plate
(9/3/2006) Kevin Mench, who went into Saturday night's game batting .218 with a home run and 13 RBI in 26 games, is not being selective enough at the plate, manager Ned Yost said. "That's a sign of being overanxious and trying to do too much right now," Yost said. "It's just the anxiousness, trying to do a good job."
Mench struggles with Brewers
(9/2/2006) OF Kevin Mench, acquired in the trade that sent Carlos Lee to Texas, is batting only .229 with one home run and 13 RBI in 25 games with the Brewers.
Mench to play for injured Gross
(8/31/2006) Gabe Gross's injured hamstring has been ruled just a strain, but the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports he will be out anywhere from five days to two weeks. "It's disappointing and frustrating from a personal point of view," Gross told the paper. "I was trying to take advantage of my playing time." Kevin Mench will get more action in left field now.
Mench struggling, not playing
(8/26/2006) Manager Ned Yost told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Kevin Mench's bench time has been due more to LH-swinging OFs Gabe Gross, Laynce Nix and Geoff Jenkins.
Mench sits against Tim Hudson
(8/14/2006) Kevin Mench, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI Saturday night, was out of the lineup Sunday. Mench was 1-for-14 for his career against Braves starter Tim Hudson. Gabe Gross started in Mench's place. Gross went 2-for-4. Mench entered in a double switch and went 0-for-1.
New Brewers OF a real Mench
(8/13/2006) Kevin Mench hit a two-run double down the left-field line Saturday and now has 10 RBI in 12 games since coming over from Texas in a trade.
Mench dealing with new pitchers
(8/8/2006) LF Kevin Mench is having to learn new pitchers since coming from Texas in the Carlos Lee trade.
Mench has tough road trip
(8/7/2006) Kevin Mench had a tough first road trip as the new cleanup hitter since coming from Texas in the Carlos Lee trade. He collected only three hits in 21 at-bats with one RBI but did single in his last two trips to the plate.
Kevin Mench has big day
(7/30/2006) Newcomer Kevin Mench drove in four runs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 Sunday. Mench singled in a run in the first. He hit a three-run drive in the seventh for his first homer with Milwaukee.
Mench debuts for Brew Crew
(7/30/2006) Kevin Mench was 1-for-4 with an RBI (51) and two strikeouts in Saturday's game against the Reds in his debut for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Mench to split time in Milwaukee?
(7/29/2006) Corey Hart started in left field Friday in place of OF Carlos Lee, who was traded earlier in the day to the Texas Rangers. The Brewers received OF Kevin Mench in the trade and manager Ned Yost said Mench will replace Lee in left field on a semi-regular basis.
(7/28/2006) The Texas Rangers acquired All-Star outfielder Carlos Lee from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday for reliever Francisco Cordero and outfielders Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the deal also includes the exchange of minor leaguers, outfielder Nelson Cruz to Texas and left-hander Julian Cordero - no relation to Francisco - to Milwaukee.
Brewers pick up Mench
(7/28/2006) The Milwaukee Brewers traded slugger Carlos Lee to the Texas Rangers for Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix, reliever Francisco Cordero and minor league pitcher Julian Cordero, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Mench continues to streak
(7/24/2006) Kevin Mench has hit in six of his last seven games, going 13-for-26 (.500).
Mench getting hits in pairs
(7/21/2006) Kevin Mench has at least two hits in three of his last four games.
Mench still in deep, deep slump
(7/17/2006) Kevin Mench is just 1-for-11 after the break and was benched Sunday. He might not play Monday either, since he is 1-for-15 against Ted Lilly. His average is down to .264. If you take out a late-April nine-game stretch (.389 with seven homers and 20 RBI), in his other 66 games, he's hitting just .246 with four homers and 23 RBI. "Kevin's shown time and again what he's capable of," GM Jon Daniels told the Dallas Morning News. "We just need to see it more consistently. I've been asked about him a lot, but he's still here because we believe he can help us."
Mench hits seventh in Texas order
(7/14/2006) MLB.com reports the Texas Rangers opened the second half of the season with Kevin Mench at DH batting seventh, and Brad Wilkerson in left field batting eighth. Manager Buck Showalter is hoping to stick with that lineup as much as possible for the second half. "We're going to start this way after the break and see where it takes us," Showalter said.
Kevin Mench records two hits
(7/6/2006) Kevin Mench went 2-for-4 with an RBI and one run scored in Wednesday's 9-3 win over Toronto. The hits were his first since June 28.
Mench loses RF job
(6/13/2006) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench appears to have lost his job as the regular right fielder due to the stellar play of Mark DeRosa. Mench sat out Monday's game against Chicago, but he is expected to see more at-bats at DH with DeRosa in right and Jason Botts on the bench.
Mench ends homerless drought
(6/12/2006) Kevin Mench ended his long home run drought in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against Boston. His two-run homer in the sixth inning ended a streak of 87 at-bats without a homer that dated to May 9.
Fewer at-bats for Kevin Mench
(6/9/2006) Mark DeRosa started in right field for the fifth consecutive game on Thursday and appears to have displaced Kevin Mench as the regular at that position. Mench has started once in left and twice at DH in that span. He has also sat out twice and was on the bench against Kansas City.
Mench sits Thursday
(6/9/2006) OF Kevin Mench was held out of the starting lineup Thursday after being hit on the left hand by a pitch in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game.
Kevin Mench a mystery in Texas
(6/2/2006) Kevin Mench continues to be an enigma for Fantasy Baseballers. He went the first 41 at-bats of the season without an RBI, then hit seven homers and drove in 20 runs over the next eight games. Since April 30, he's hit just three homers and driven in eight runs.
Kevin Mench moves to fifth
(11:48 am ET) With Phil Nevin in a deep May slump, Texas has called up hot-hitting, switch-hitting Jason Botts from Triple-A Oklahoma. After the move, Hank Blalock, who was hitting fifth in the order, Kevin Mench, who was hitting sixth and Mark DeRosa, who was hitting seventh, all move up one spot. Botts, who was hitting .455 over his previous 12 games at Oklahoma, will hit eighth for the time being.
Kevin Mench goes 2-for-5
(5/18/2006) Kevin Mench went 2-for-5 with an RBI on Thursday in New York.
All or nothing for Mench lately
(5/5/2006) Kevin Mench is 2-for-16 (.125) in his last four games, but both hits are solo shots. He was batting .342 through the first 20 games before his recent slump.
Mench records another home run
(5/5/2006) Kevin Mench's home run Thursday was his ninth in the Rangers' last 13 games. He is hitting .327 (17-for-52) in that span and has 22 RBIs in those games.
Mench continues to torture Rays
(5/3/2006) Kevin Mench, who had a seven-game home run streak last month, homered Tuesday. He has 23 RBI in his past 16 games and has hit four of his eight homers against Tampa Bay.
Kevin Mench wins AL honor
(5/2/2006) Kevin Mench, who shared AL Player of the Week honors with Cleveland's Ben Broussard, saw his career-best 14-game hitting streak end. He was 0-for-4 in Monday's win over Seth McClung and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Mench extends streak to 14 games
(5/1/2006) Kevin Mench was 2-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's game at Cleveland to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games.
Mench's homer streak ends
(4/30/2006) Kevin Mench's home run streak ended at seven straight games -- one shy of tying the major league record -- at Cleveland Saturday. Mench didn't come close to clearing any of the outfield walls in Jacobs Field, going 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and two strikeouts. He was attempting to match the mark shared by Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle, 1993), Don Mattingly (New York Yankees, 1987) and Dale Long (Pittsburgh, 1956). Instead, Mench will have to settle for being the only right-handed hitter to homer in seven consecutive games.
Mench extends his HR streak
(4/29/2006) Kevin Mench was 0-for-3 heading into the eighth inning on Friday at Cleveland before hitting a solo home run off of reliever Guillermo Mota to extend his home run streak to seven games. He also made the final out of the game against closer Bob Wickman.
Mench nearing HR-streak record
(4/28/2006) Kevin Mench takes his six-game homer streak into Cleveland (vs. Jason Johnson, Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook). The major league record for consecutive games with a home run is eight, shared by Dale Long, Don Mattingly and Ken Griffey Jr. Nineteen players have homered in six consecutive games, with Morgan Ensberg of Houston also doing it this season.
Mench homers in sixth straight
(4/26/2006) Kevin Mench set a Texas Rangers record by homering in his sixth straight game Wednesday. Mench hit a grand slam in the fourth inning against Oakland's Kiko Calero, who had just entered the game in relief of starter Rich Harden. The major league record for consecutive games with a home run is eight, shared by Ken Griffey Jr., Don Mattingly and Dale Long. Carl Everett (April 2003), Alex Rodriguez (August 2003) and Mark Teixeira (July 2004) all homered in five straight games for Texas. It was Mench's second grand slam in his streak, and his third career slam. He has 20 RBI this season, all in the last six games.
Mench has five-game homer streak
(4/26/2006) Kevin Mench hit his fifth homer of the season, becoming the fourth player in Rangers history to homer in five consecutive games.
Mench extends home run streak
(4/25/2006) Kevin Mench was 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Monday's game against the Athletics, hitting a homer in four consecutive games.
(4/23/2006) Kevin Mench has homered in three straight games and has 12 RBI over his past four games. He was 1-for-4 with two RBI Sunday vs. Tampa Bay.
Mench slams Devil Rays pitching
(4/21/2006) Kevin Mench hit a grand slam to lead the Texas Rangers to a 13-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Friday night.
Shoe size is Mench's problem
(4/20/2006) The problem for Kevin Mench and his sore feet might be a very simple one. After meeting with a foot specialist, it was determined that his sprain is caused by Mench's shoes being a half size too small. "He said he'd never seen 'turf toe' in the second toe," Mench said. "He said, 'Your shoes are a half size too small."'
Mench starts Wednesday
(4/20/2006) Texas RF Kevin Mench had two singles at Seattle Wednesday while starting for only the second time in seven games. He remained without an RBI in 39 at-bats.
Mench still has foot soreness
(4/19/2006) MLB.com reports Kevin Mench was out of the lineup Tuesday with more soreness in his right foot. Texas manager Buck Showalter still expects Mench to be in the starting lineup Wednesday and Thursday, however.
Mench struggling this season
(4/17/2006) The Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers are going with Gary Matthews as their center fielder and leadoff hitter for the foreseeable future. Laynce Nix was relegated to the bench Sunday against a right-hand pitcher for the first time all season and Kevin Mench is back in right field, with Brad Wilkerson starting in left.
Kevin Mench back in action
(4/17/2006) Rangers OF Kevin Mench returned to the lineup Sunday after missing four games with turf toe.
Mench sits again Saturday
(4/15/2006) Kevin Mench was out of the lineup Saturday for the second game after receiving a cortisone shot for a right toe sprain.
Mench was out of lineup Friday
(4/14/2006) Kevin Mench was out of the lineup Friday after receiving a cortisone shot for a right toe sprain.
Mench will have foot examined
(4/13/2006) Kevin Mench flew back to Dallas on Wednesday and will have his sore foot examined by team physician Keith Meister on Thursday before getting a second cortisone injection. Mench, who has no RBIs in his first 31 at-bats, is expected to rejoin the team Friday night at Oakland.
Kevin Mench out of action
(4/12/2006) MLB.com reports Kevin Mench (foot) was out of action Tuesday and might not play again until Friday at the earliest. "Kevin needs a day with his foot," manager Buck Showalter said. "It's gotten pretty sore, so we're going to give him a day, possibly three."
Mench still without HR, RBI
(4/11/2006) Kevin Mench was 1-for-4 in Monday's game at L.A. Angels, as he continues to search for his first home run and RBI this season. "Kevin will be fine. He's going to have a big year," teammate Michael Young said. "He's a good hitter. It's just a matter of getting him hot, and sometimes it takes a little longer than you'd like."
Mench in serious slump
(4/10/2006) Kevin Mench, who drove in 73 runs last season, entered Monday with none in his first 27 at-bats. He's had two hits with runners in scoring position, but one got thrown out at the plate and the other was held up at third base. Mench batted .417 this spring with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 20 games. "Kevin hasn't been swinging the bat as well as was in the spring, but he'll get going," manager Buck Showalter said. "Very seldom do you see guys carry over a hot spring."
Mench has nagging foot injury
(4/7/2006) Kevin Mench has a nagging foot injury that manager Buck Showalter is "keeping an eye on." Showalter said Mench has responded well to some new orthodics.
Mench wins (spring) Triple Crown
(3/31/2006) Kevin Mench clinched the Cactus League's triple crown Thursday. He went 1-for-3, which dropped his batting average to .463, but it left him one point better than Kansas City's Angel Berroa. Mench also had seven homers and 18 RBIs.
Mench continues spring streak
(3/31/2006) Kevin Mench, who is hitting .463 for the Rangers, went 1-for-3 against Kansas City Thursday and has a nine-game hitting streak this spring.
Mench hot as season starts
(3/30/2006) Kevin Mench had a pair of doubles Wednesday to raise his spring training average to an amazing .470. He is heading towards the AL spring training triple crown. He also leads in home runs (seven) and RBIs (18) and has 14 extra-base hits in 51 at-bats.
Big Tex says 30-100 for Mench
(3/29/2006) Kevin Mench has had a great spring and the Rangers are on the bandwagon again, like we were last year. "We've seen it from Mench before," first baseman Mark Teixeira told MLB.com. "We know he's got the ability to hit over 30 home runs and drive in over 100 RBIs."
Mench's huge spring continues
(3/28/2006) Kevin Mench hit his seventh home run for the Rangers on Monday night.
Kevin Mench having great spring
(3/12/2006) Kevin Mench went 2-for-3 Sunday to raise his spring average to .500 in six games.
Mench hits home run for Texas
(3/9/2006) Kevin Mench had his second home run Wednesday in as many starts, homering with two outs in the fifth inning. Mench also had a run-scoring triple to give him eight RBIs in the last two games.
Mench powers up for Rangers
(3/7/2006) Kevin Mench had five RBI, including a grand slam off Russ Ortiz in Texas' seven-run second inning Monday. "I just ran into one," Mench said. "I hooked it, like my 3-iron."
Mench wants to build on '05
(2/27/2006) The Dallas Morning News reports Kevin Mench wants to build on last season, his first as a full-time player. "I want to improve on last year's numbers," Mench said. "Last year, I wanted to prove I could play full time, and I did that. Now, I want to build on it."
Mench drafted in Round Eight
(2/10/2006) Kevin Mench was the 88th overall selection (eighth round) in the 2006 CBS SportsLine.com AL Experts League. He recorded a .265 BA with 25 home runs, 73 RBI and four steals in 557 AB in 2005.
Mench, Rangers avoid arbitration
(2/3/2006) Outfielder Kevin Mench agreed to a contract Friday with the Rangers, who again will avoid having any arbitration hearings. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Mench had sought $3.05 million after hitting .264 with 25 home runs and 73 RBIs in 149 games last season. In four seasons for Texas, Mench has a .277 average with 68 home runs and 215 RBI in 423 games. He became a starter as a rookie in 2002, then was hitting .320 after 38 games the following year when a broken left wrist ended his season.
(9/28/2005) Seattle rookie Felix Hernandez was one out from his first major-league complete game when he allowed the Rangers to tie it at 2. Kevin Mench, who had been in a 3-of-26 slide, hit a two-out single to left to score Esteban German, who was running for Hank Blalock, from second.
Texas' Mench nursing sore thumb
(9/26/2005) Rangers OF Kevin Mench got most of the day off Sunday to rest his sore thumb, entering in the eighth as a defensive replacement. Coupled with Monday's off day, he'll have two days to heal. "It's a good idea to back off him with the off day (Monday), and hopefully he'll finish up strong," manager Buck Showalter said. "It's been kind of nagging more than anything."
Mench plays Friday
(8/20/2005) Kevin Mench (back) went 0-for-3 at Tampa Bay Friday.
Mench out again on Thursday
(8/18/2005) Kevin Mench (back) was out of the starting lineup for the second straight game on Thursday at Cleveland.
Mench scratched on Wednesday
(8/18/2005) Kevin Mench was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday at Cleveland due to back spasms.
Mench catches fire on Thursday
(6/30/2005) Kevin Mench took it easy on the Angels on Thursday until the fifth inning and then he belted a home run in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to finish with three home runs and five RBI.
Mench cranks out 12th homer
(6/18/2005) Kevin Mench went 2-for-3 with a solo shot against Washington Friday.
Mench hits 13th double
(6/2/2005) Kevin Mench had a double - the 15th of his last 19 hits to go for extra bases - but his home run streak ended at three games at Detroit Thursday.
Mench continues power display
(6/1/2005) Kevin Mench went 1-for-4 with a homer and two RBI at Detroit Wednesday.
Mench continues power surge
(5/31/2005) Kevin Mench went 2-for-4 with a home run Tuesday against the Tigers. He's got three home runs in his past eight games now.
Mench smacks two home runs
(5/17/2005) Kevin Mench was 2-for-5 with a pair of solo home runs in Monday's game against the White Sox.
Mench in the lineup Monday
(5/10/2005) Kevin Mench (wrist) was 1-for-3 with a walk in Monday's game against the Tigers.
Mench on the mend
(5/8/2005) Kevin Mench got the day off on Sunday against the Indians after being hit on the right wrist by a pitch.
Kevin Mench starting vs. Cle
(5/6/2005) Mench (elbow) has returned to the starting lineup Friday against the Indians. He's been out since Sunday.
Mench sits out Wednesday
(5/4/2005) Kevin Mench did not start for the third straight day Wednesday due to a sore elbow. "We could use him if we had to," Showalter said. "He took early batting practice (Tuesday). We'll give him an extra day to get him right."
Mench continues swinging hot bat
(4/27/2005) Kevin Mench has now hit safely in six straight games after blasting his third home run of the season Tuesday. He has gone deep in three of his last five games. However, manager Buck Showalter says Mench is not guaranteed to be in the starting lineup every day. "We have a lot of guys capable of doing the job and want to take advantage of it, Kevin being one of those," Showalter said.
Mench hits second homer
(4/23/2005) Kevin Mench went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI at the Yankees Saturday.
Mench continues to struggle
(4/11/2005) Kevin Mench was 0-for-5 in Monday's home opener against the Angels, as he continues to struggle at the plate.
Mench sits Friday
(4/2/2005) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Kevin Mench (back) was out of the lineup Friday in a spring training game.
Mench back in the lineup
(3/30/2005) Kevin Mench was able to play in Tuesday's spring game against the Padres. He was hitless in four at-bats.
Mench back in lineup
(9/22/2004) Kevin Mench (hand) was back in the starting lineup Tuesday against Oakland. He went 1-for-4 with a run.
Mench could return vs. A's
(9/21/2004) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench (hand) will likely be the designated hitter against Oakland Monday, but he will likely return to the field before the series ends Thursday.
Mench to sit on Sunday
(9/19/2004) Kevin Mench injured his hand against Anaheim on Saturday during an at-bat. He is expected to be sidelined for Sunday's contest.
Mench powers the Rangers
(9/11/2004) Kevin Mench went 3-for-4 with two solo homers against Toronto Friday.
Royals waiting on Mench deal
(7/29/2004) The Kansas City Star reports that the Royals are waiting to see if another team trades for Rangers outfielder Kevin Mench before they give another trade offer. They were rebuffed once already when they reportedly offered Darrell May or Brian Anderson. Texas is believed to be interested in Jimmy Gobble, whom the Royals are uninterested in trading.
(7/27/2004) The Denver Post reports that Kevin Mench was a name brought up as a possible trade candidate to couple with John Danks for pitcher Shawn Estes in Colorado.
Mench on a home run tear
(7/11/2004) Kevin Mench was 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's game at Boston.
Mench rips home run and double
(7/8/2004) Kevin Mench went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and his 12th home run on Thursday against the Indians.
Mench smacks two home runs
(7/4/2004) Kevin Mench was 4-for-6 with a pair of home runs and four RBI in Sunday's laugher at Houston.
Mench mentioned in trade talks
(7/3/2004) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Kevin Mench is being shopped by the Rangers. Arizona is a possible landing place for him if they give up Danny Bautista.
Mench rips three-run homer
(7/1/2004) Kevin Mench (elbow) returned to the lineup after missing the prior two games with an elbow injury. He connected for his ninth home run and went 2-for-4 in the game.
Mench out again Wednesday
(6/30/2004) Kevin Mench (elbow) is not in the starting lineup for the second straight game on Wednesday.
Mench out of the lineup
(6/30/2004) Kevin Mench was not in the starting lineup on Tuesday after being hit above the left elbow by a pitch on Monday night.
Mench not ready for every day play
(6/22/2004) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench will continue to be played sparingly as he continues to heal from a strained oblique. "Kevin is not in the form he's capable of," said manager Buck Showalter.
Mench activated
(6/13/2004) The Texas Rangers activated Kevin Mench (oblique) from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. He went 0-for-4 against the Cardinals in his return.
Mench out Friday
(6/12/2004) Kevin Mench (oblique) was not in the lineup against St. Louis Friday.
Mench ready to play
(6/11/2004) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench (oblique) is expected to be activated for Friday's game against St. Louis, depending on his health after Thursday's game at Double-A Frisco.
Kevin Mench to begin rehab
(6/8/2004) Mench (oblique) will start a rehab assignment on Wednesday in Double-A.
Mench lands on the DL
(5/25/2004) The Rangers placed Kevin Mench on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with an injured muscle in his left side.
Mench injures rib cage
(5/23/2004) Kevin Mench (strained rib cage) left in the second inning of Sunday's game against the Yankees.
Mench hitting extremely well
(5/2/2004) Kevin Mench went 4-for-8 in Saturday's doubleheader against Boston. He is now in a 14-for-31 (.452) hot streak.
Mench has four hits Sunday
(4/25/2004) Kevin Mench was 4-for-4 with a career-high five runs scored on Sunday against Seattle. He also belted his third home run and drove in two runs.
Mench plays on Tuesday
(3/9/2004) Kevin Mench (wrist surgery) was 0-for-3 on Tuesday. He is 4-for-11 on the spring.
Mench to skip winter ball
(12/5/2003) Kevin Mench (broken wrist) will not participate in winter ball, according to the Dallas Morning News. He has only been cleared to swing a golf club, but not a baseball bat.
Mench activated by Rangers
(11/15/2003) The Rangers activated Kevin Mench from the 60-day disabled list on Friday. He had surgery to remove a bone fragment from his wrist in early September.
Mench to have wrist re-examined
(11/6/2003) Kevin Mench is scheduled to have his left wrist examined by Fort Worth hand/wrist specialist Bobby Wroten in mid-November, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Mench had surgery in September to remove a bone chip, and might play winter ball in Puerto Rico if he is deemed healthy.
Mench still not swinging a bat
(10/30/2003) The Rangers hope Kevin Mench (broken left wrist) will be able to play winter ball, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He has not resumed swinging a bat and is expected to be re-examined next week.
Mench moves to 60-day DL
(9/6/2003) The Rangers transferred Kevin Mench (wrist) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list on Friday. The move was done to make room for Triple-A Oklahoma call-up Jermaine Clark.
Mench takes batting practice
(8/28/2003) Kevin Mench (wrist) is hitting against a pitching machine, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He has a bone chip in his wrst that could require surgery after the season. He will continue to bat agains the machine until he's healthy enough to rejoin the lineup.
Mench swings a bat again
(8/22/2003) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes that Kevin Mench (wrist) began swinging a bat again. He's been hitting off a tee for the past couple days. "That's very encouraging," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. Although with only 34 games left in the season, it's possible Mench won't be healthy enough to play again this season. "I can't say that for sure," Showalter said. " The last two days have been encouragin, Kevin is probably headed for winter ball, regardless."
(8/14/2003) The Dallas Morning News reports that Mench (wrist) was too sore to begin swinging a bat. He'll be examined again next week.
Mench starts rehab for wrist
(8/6/2003) the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes that Kevin Mench (wrist) has been cleared to begin baseball activities on Wednesday.
Mench gets cast removed
(8/1/2003) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Kevin Mench (wrist) had his cast removed. He will begin light baseball exercises and activities sometime next week.
Mench to have cast removed
(7/30/2003) Kevin Mench (broken left wrist) is expected to have his cast removed by the middle of next week. His injured wrist will then be placed in a splint, allowing him to resume baseball activities.
Mench placed on 15-day DL
(7/9/2003) The Rangers placed Kevin Mench on the 15-day disabled list after he sustained a broken wrist in Tuesday's game against Minnesota.
Mench is out four to six weeks
(7/9/2003) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench broke his wrist Tuesday and will miss the next four to six weeks.
Mench suffers hand injury
(7/8/2003) Kevin Mench left Tuesday's game in the fifth inning after being hit by a pitch on the left hand. Mench had two doubles in his first two at-bats.
Indians interested in Mench
(7/4/2003) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Kevin Mench is drawing interest form the Cleveland Indians.
Mench recalled from Triple-A
(6/7/2003) Kevin Mench was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma on Friday.
Mench optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma
(5/2/2003) Kevin Mench was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma on Friday. This demotion is expected to be very brief, as the Rangers needed to clear a roster spot for Joaquin Benoit to make Friday's start at Cleveland.
Mench sits out second straight
(4/24/2003) Kevin Mench was out of the starting lineup for the second straight game on Wednesday while he continues to recover from a strained muscle in his side, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I feel like I'm in good shape, but I'm not where I need to be," he said. "These guys have a good three weeks on me, so I'm trying to make up for lost time. But I'm trying not to rush it."
Kevin Mench makes season debut
(4/17/2003) Mench (oblique) made his season debut and was 1-for-3 on Thursday. He was activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day.
Mench activated from the DL
(4/17/2003) The Rangers activated Kevin Mench from the disabled list on Thursday. He assumes the roster spot of Doug Glanville, who was placed on the DL.
Mench progressing well
(4/17/2003) Kevin Mench (strained oblique) played his third game with Double-A Frisco on Wednesday. Manager Buck Showalter told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Mench's status would be evaluated after the game. He was 0-for-6 with a walk in his first two games with Frisco.
Mench close to returning
(4/15/2003) Kevin Mench (oblique) was scheduled to begin his rehab assignment by playing seven innings in a minor-league game on Monday. According to the Dallas Morning News, he will play two more games and join the Rangers this weekend, barring any setbacks.
Mench might return on Friday
(4/13/2003) Kevin Mench (strained left oblique) will play for Double-A Frisco in a three-game series at Tulsa next week on a rehab assignment.
Mench might return in one week
(4/10/2003) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench (oblique) might be able to rejoin the team in time for the April 18-20 series in Oakland. "That's as long as there are no setbacks," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. "If things work out, he could possibly join us in Oakland if he stays on schedule." Mench is expected to go on a rehabilitation assignment, perhaps as soon as Monday.
Mench to go on rehab in a week?
(4/9/2003) Kevin Mench (strained oblique) told the Dallas Morning News he hopes to begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment in the near future. "A week at the most and I hope to be out of here," he said. "I'm supposed to hit live [batting practice] off the coaches [Thursday] for the first time, and then we'll see where we are."
Mench to go on rehab assignment?
(4/8/2003) Kevin Mench (oblique) continues to take batting and outfield practice in Surprise, Ariz., according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He might be ready for a rehabilitation assignment by next week. Rangers manager Buck Showalter said Mench is likely to play three or four games on a rehab assignment before being activated.
Mench starts swinging bat
(4/6/2003) According to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, Kevin Mench (strained oblique) has started to swing a bat and play catch, but there is still no timetable for his return.
Mench to hit off a tee Thursday
(4/3/2003) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench (strained oblique muscle) will begin hitting off a tee on Thursday. He is progressing, although manager Buck Showalter isn't expecting the outfielder back in the immediate future.
Kevin Mench not close to returning
(4/2/2003) Mench (strained oblique muscle) will not be ready to play when he is eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday, according to the Dallas Morning News. In fact, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that he has not resumed baseball activities and is not close to being ready.
Mench lands on the DL
(3/24/2003) The Dallas Morning News says Kevin Mench (oblique) will be out until mid-April. He was put on the 15-day DL on Monday.
Kevin Mench strains oblique
(3/22/2003) Mench might miss the first few games of the season after straining an oblique muscle on Thursday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Mench will have competition
(2/17/2003) The Dallas Morning News reports that Kevin Mench will have to compete for playing time in left field during spring training. If Carl Everett solidifies his role as the team's starting center fielder, Doug Glanville will challenge Mench for playing time in left.
(1/27/2003) The Rangers will use Kevin Mench as their everyday left fielder during spring training, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He established last year that he is making his way to being a quality everyday outfielder," Buck Showalter said. "We don't want to go into a situation that keeps him from getting the at-bats that he needs for us to find out whether he's ready to take that next step. He's served his apprenticeship, so let's see where it goes."
(9/5/2002) Mench was not in the lineup for a second consecutive day Wednesday and has yet to play in Baltimore during the Rangers' only trip this season. Texas manager Jerry Narron might start Mench Thursday. "A lot of times, you learn as much by sitting and watching as you do by playing," Narron said.
(8/21/2002) Mench returned to the starting lineup Tuesday and went 2-for-4. He was out of the starting lineup in the previous two games because of a hand injury.
(8/19/2002) Mench came on as a defensive replacement Sunday against Toronto after missing Saturday's game with a bruised hand. He remains day to day, but looks safe to use this week.
(8/18/2002) Mench missed Saturday's game because of a bruised hand. He was hit by a pitch in Friday's game. Mench is day to day. Ruben Rivera will start if Mench is unable to play. Reserve Mench in a daily league, but keep him active for weekly play.
(8/17/2002) Mench, who was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning of Friday’s game against Toronto, was taken to a local hospital after the game for precautionary X-rays on his right hand. He was diagnosed with a bruise and is day to day. If he can’t play Saturday, Ruben Rivera will probably get the start in right field.
(7/3/2002) According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers are committed to playing Kevin Mench in left field. This is not good news for Fantasy owners of Frank Catalanotto, who was recently activated from the disabled list. Rusty Greer is currently rehabbing in the minors and is expected to be activated this week some time and he will also be behind Mench on the depth chart. This vote of confidence is good news for Fantasy owners who have acquired Mench recently.
(6/24/2002) Texas wants to see what their outfielders can do and it is paying big dividends. Mench has been on a torrid pace, going 9-for-21 with four home runs and eight RBI over the last seven games. He has also added three doubles and seven runs scored over that span. Mench has been seeing time with injuries to Gabe Kapler and Juan Gonzalez. The two have since returned, but manager Jerry Narron is making room for Mench and he is getting regular at-bats. Consider Mench in AL-only leagues, as he is hitting really well right now.
(6/10/2002) The Rangers recalled Mench from Triple-A Oklahoma prior to Monday's game against Cincinnati. He might see a fair amount of playing time with Carl Everett and Rusty Greer on the disabled list and Calvin Murray no longer on the roster. Still, Mench probably won't play enough at first to merit starting in an AL-only league.
(5/21/2002) Mench was sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma by the Texas Rangers on Monday. He has no value as a Fantasy player at this point and should be dropped in most leagues.
(5/9/2002) Mench has been recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma. He will receive a lot of playing time while Carl Everett and Juan Gonzalez are disabled, but is not worth adding to your active roster. He batted .235 with a homer in a stint with the Rangers earlier this season and The Dallas Morning News reports that he will likely be demoted to the minors in another couple of weeks.
(4/23/2002) The Rangers are expected to return either Mench or Jason Romano to Triple-A Oklahoma Tuesday to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for newly-acquired Calvin Murray. Mench, who had been playing fairly regularly after the injury to Juan A. Gonzalez, stands to lose the most playing time of the duo. You might as well drop Mench and Romano if you picked them up as a temporary replacement.
(4/16/2002) Mench has started seven straight games, including three against right-handed pitchers. It's becoming clear that the Rangers' spring leader in home runs and RBI benefitted most from the injury to Juan A. Gonzalez. Mench is worth using as a fifth outfielder in AL-only leagues as long as Gonzalez is sidelined.
(4/11/2002) With Juan Gonzalez out, Mench may see more playing time in the outfield. He has good power potential and is worth a pickup in AL-only leagues.
(4/7/2002) The Rangers recalled Mench from Triple-A Oklahoma after placing Rich Rodriguez on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to Thursday, with a blister on his left index finger. Mench had six homers and 16 RBI in 27 spring games, but he's probably not going to play very much in the crowded Texas outfield. Don't pick him up right now.
