TEXAS RANGERS RELEASE 2016 HIGH DESERT MAVERICKS TEAM ROSTER

ADELANTO, Calif. (March 29, 2016) - The Texas Rangers, parent club of the High Desert Mavericks, have released the team rosters for their minor league affiliates. The Mavericks roster is one over the California League limit and the team will announce Opening Day rosters with numbers next week.

"With one of the best minor league systems in all of professional baseball, the Texas Rangers continue to send top level talent to the High Desert," said General Manager Ben Hemmen. "Between the twelve returning players from our playoff team last season to the eight additional top 30 prospects from the 2015 South Atlantic League Champion Hickory Crawdads, your 2016 High Desert Mavericks are going to be very competitive on the field and will immediately challenge for the top of the California League."

The Mavericks boast nine players who are ranked among the Rangers Top 30 prospects by MLB.com, headlined by 2014 first round draft pick, right handed pitcher Luis Ortiz (MLB.com #5) and Venezuelan left-handed pitcher Yohander Mendez (#10) who is on the Rangers 40-man roster. Joining Ortiz and Mendez in the Top 30 ranking are infielder Josh Morgan (#11), infielder Travis Demeritte (#14), right handed pitcher Ariel Jurado (#17) who competed for Panama in the World Baseball Classic, infielder Michael De Leon (#19), outfielder Jairo Beras (#23), catcher Jose Trevino (#27), and right handed pitcher John Fasola (#28).

There are twelve total returning players on the roster, including nine who helped the Mavericks squad to the 2015 California League South Division Championship game. Returners include pitchers John Fasola, David Ledbetter, Ryan Ledbetter, Shane McCain, David Perez, Adam Quintana, Cole Wiper, catchers David Lyon and Kevin Torres, infielders Tripp Martin and Juremi Profar, and outfielder Seth Spivey.

The entire High Desert Mavericks Opening Day roster, including coaching staff and Mavericks skipper, former Mets player, Howard Johnson, can be found HERE. Johnson is entering his first season with the Mavericks, in place for 2015 manager Spike Owen, who is currently the third base coach for the Texas Rangers.

The Mavericks open the 2016 season on Thursday, April 7 at 6:35 P.M. against the Inland Empire 66ers, Advanced-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Opening Night will feature a 2016 Magnet Schedule Giveaway for the first 750 fans at Heritage Field. This year's magnet schedule will include a special die-cut of the High Desert 75th Anniversary of the California League logo and is presented by Southern California Toyota Dealers. Thirsty Thursday will offer $2 small domestic draft/canned beers, $2 Pepsi products and $4.50 large domestic draft/canned beers. For additional information, visit HDMavs.com, stop in the office or call 760-246-6287.

For more information regarding the Mavericks Opening Day roster, call the Mavericks front office at 760-246-6287.