January 3, 2018
ANALYSIS
Mendez spent the past year overseas with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japan Central League, but will return stateside on a minor-league deal for the upcoming season. In 2016 during his most recent appearance with an MLB organization, Mendez pitched in 32 games for Triple-A Pawtucket within the Red Sox's system, posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 59:27 K:BB in 64 innings. The right-hander has appeared in 45 major-league contests over his career, including 15 between Boston and the Rangers in 2015. Moving forward, he will serve as added depth for Washington's bullpen.