The Kansas City Star expects Luis Mendoza to open the season in the Royals' bullpen. Mendoza was recently named the MVP of the Caribbean World Series and has put together a strong offseason, but is still a longshot to win a spot in the starting rotation. He'll also miss three weeks of spring training when he pitches for Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. However, the Royals will likely carry him on their Opening Day roster as a long reliever.

Luis Mendoza allowed just one run on six hits in Wednesday's season finale, but received zero runs of support in Kansas City's 1-0 loss to the Tigers. Mendoza struck out six and walked three in falling to 8-10. A hard-luck night for those who needed a win in their fantasy playoffs, but the quality start was Mendoza's fourth straight, and 14th of the year. He finishes 2012 the owner of a 4.23 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 104/59 K/BB ratio through 166 innings. Not bad considering he entered the year the owner of a career 7.36 ERA through 99 innings. Provided he's re-signed, Mendoza should open 2013 in Kansas City's rotation.

Luis Mendoza turned in a stellar performance in Friday's victory over the Indians, surrendering two runs on eight hits over his six innings. Mendoza punched out three and issued two walks on the night. For all of the rotational woes that the Royals have had on the season, Mendoza has actually done a decent job, compiling an 8-9 record, 4.44 ERA and 92/55 K/BB ratio through 152 innings. He'll look to continue his recent success when he takes on the Tigers in Detroit on Wednesday.

Luis Mendoza (throat) has officially been cleared to start Friday against the Indians. Mendoza was scratched from Wednesday's start due to strep throat, but it appears to no longer be an issue. "He feels good, and he looks good," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "He feels strong. You can normally tell if a guy is not feeling good or if he's weak. We don't see any signs of that. He looks 100 percent normal and natural."

Luis Mendoza (throat) is tentatively scheduled to start Friday against the Indians. Mendoza was scratched from Wednesday's start due to strep throat, but he threw a light bullpen session before the game and felt a lot better. Will Smith will move up a day to start if it turns out Mendoza can't go.

Luis Mendoza has been scratched from Wednesday's start against the White Sox due to a throat ailment. "[Mendoza] came in today and was feeling horrible," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "His throat was all infected. We think it's strep throat. We sent him to the doctor." The righty could rejoin the rotation this weekend if he feels up to it, or the Royals could just wind up skipping his start. Bruce Chen will move up to start Wednesday, with Jeremy Guthrie getting the ball Thursday.

Luis Mendoza was impressive in a no-decision against the Twins on Thursday, surrendering just one run on two hits over six strong innings. Mendoza walked two while piling up six strikeouts on the evening. The only mark against him came on a solo homer from Josh Willingham in the first inning. He's actually been one of the Royals most consistent starters this season, and is making a strong case to remain in the rotation next year. He'll take a 7-9 record, 4.50 ERA and 89/53 K/BB ratio into Wednesday's home match-up against the White Sox.

Luis Mendoza pitched well in a no-decision against the Twins on Sunday, allowing two runs on seven hits over his five innings of work. He struck out three on the afternoon without issuing a walk. Justin Morneau got the Twins on the board in the first with an RBI groundout, and Chris Parmelee added a solo shot in the second. While the numbers aren't eye-popping, Mendoza has actually been one of the Royals pitchers this season, posting a 7-9 record and 4.48 ERA over 24 appearances (19 starts). He'll get the ball next on Friday against the White Sox in Chicago.

Luis Mendoza surrendered three runs in six innings Saturday in a victory over the Orioles. Mendoza has actually turned in a pretty nice run these last eight starts, going at least six innings seven times and allowing no more than four runs in any of them. This is probably as good as it gets for the sinkerballer, but he's done a very good job of keeping the Royals in games.

Luis Mendoza gave up four runs on seven hits and recorded his eight loss of the season in Monday's game against the White Sox. Mendoza entered Monday with quality starts in five of his last six games, and has been arguably the Royals' most consistent pitcher since the All-Star break. He was in line for at least a no-decision if not for giving up late-inning home runs to Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham. Mendoza, who currently owns a 4.36 ERA, will look to get back on track in his next start Saturday against the Orioles.