Luis Mendoza

2017

There was no outlook written for Luis Mendoza.

2013

As expected, Mendoza opened the 2012 season as the team's primary long reliever, but after a few injuries to the rotation, the 29-year-old right-hander found himself somewhat entrenched as the team's fourth starter. It was an up and down season in which he was almost relegated back to the bullpen on a few occasions, but overall, he made some improvements including the ability to keep the ball in the yard, a slightly improved strikeout rate, and an impressive 52.1 percent groundball rate. His arm truly came alive toward the end of the season as the velocity on his fastball jumped a bit and he closed out the season with five consecutive quality starts. He won't necessarily walk into 2013 with a spot reserved in the rotation, but his late-season surge has certainly earned him another opportunity to compete.

2012

At 28 years old, Mendoza has yet to figure out a way to miss enough bats to be successful at the major league level. In the minors he's gotten away with fringe command and an ability to avoid the long ball, but that does not make a projectable skill set. While the Royals may turn to Mendoza for spot starts and fifth starter help in 2012, fantasy owners should not do the same.

2010

Mendoza's major league time was limited to just one inning in 2009 after making 11 starts and 25 appearances in Arlington in 2008. He was pretty terrible at Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing 130 hits and 50 walks in 111.1 innings, fanning just 78. He's allowed too many hits and too many walks as far back as 2005 back at High-A, and there's no reason to think that will change any time soon.

2009

Mendoza appeared in 25 games (11 starts) for Texas, much to the joy of the rest of the American League. He allowed 97 hits and 25 walks in 63.1 innings, fanning just 35 and doing little to buck his reputation as someone who can't miss enough bats to have any sort of success. Stay far, far away.

2008

Mendoza used a strong second half at Double-A Frisco (76.1 innings, 70 hits, 19 walks, 53 K) to earn a brief look in the majors but that was his first real hint of success in his professional career. He'll likely start the year in the rotation at Triple-A Oklahoma City, and could pick up a few starts with Texas when injuries dictate.