Luis Mendoza was smoked for eight runs (seven earned) in 5 2/3 innings Friday in a loss to the Blue Jays. If you took a chance on Mendoza after he struck out seven batters over six innings of one-run ball last week against the Phillies, chances are you were pretty disappointed by this one. The 29-year-old gave up seven hits and three walks in the loss and is strictly an AL-only option. The Royals have two off-days next week, so they plan to skip Mendoza in the rotation.