Felipe Paulino (elbow) is expected to join the Royals in Minnesota this weekend in order for the big league staff to get a first-hand evaluation on his strained elbow. Paulino experienced no problems Wednesday while throwing 75 pitches over a four-inning rehab stint at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. Assuming the major league training staff likes what they see, Paulino will throw a bullpen session Saturday before joining the rotation next week. He'll replace Luis Mendoza.