Fernando Mendoza: Thursday night taught me there’s a lot more learning to do – NBC Sports

Fernando Mendoza, the right‑hander who has been a mainstay for the Texas Rangers’ bullpen, reflected on a recent Thursday night outing that left him with a fresh lesson in the game. Speaking to NBC Sports after the game, Mendoza said, “Thursday night taught me there’s a lot more learning to do,” a candid admission that underscores the continual grind of professional pitching.

The Rangers’ Thursday night contest saw Mendoza enter in the eighth inning with the score tied. He faced a lineup that had already been hit hard earlier in the game, and despite a solid delivery, he allowed two earned runs on two home runs. While the final result was a loss for Texas, the experience was a stark reminder that even seasoned arms can run into a slump when the opposition adjusts.

Mendoza’s comment comes at a time when the Rangers are navigating a season of ups and downs. The club has struggled to find consistency in its starting rotation, and the bullpen has been called upon to bridge gaps. In the past month, Mendoza has appeared in 12 games, compiling a 3.75 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 18 innings. Yet, the Thursday night outing highlighted the volatility that can arise when hitters exploit a pitcher’s weaknesses, whether it be a lack of late‑in‑the‑count movement or a predictable pitch selection.

Beyond the numbers, Mendoza’s statement reflects a broader narrative in baseball: the perpetual learning curve that even veteran players face. Pitchers must constantly refine their repertoire, adjust to hitters’ evolving approaches, and maintain mental resilience. The Rangers’ coaching staff has emphasized this mindset, encouraging players to view each outing as an opportunity to grow.

In the days ahead, Mendoza will return to the mound with a focus on what he described as “more learning to do.” The Rangers’ front office and coaching staff are expected to work with him on refining his late‑in‑the‑count pitches and developing a more diverse mix to keep hitters off balance. For fans, the takeaway is clear: even the most experienced athletes are never done learning, and the pursuit of improvement remains a core pillar of the Rangers’ strategy moving forward.