Tommy

Mendoza

Mendoza, a 2005 fifth-round pick, looked like someone with considerable upside a couple of years ago, but he’s failed to make any real progress. He no longer ranked among the Angels’ top 20 or so prospects.

Mariners prospect Brad Halman broke up the no-no with a two-run homer. It was the only hit Mendoza allowed in seven innings. He has a 3.71 ERA in nine starts in the California League, though he’s done with just 22 strikeouts in 51 innings. The 20-year-old is likely to face a move to the pen at some point.

Mendoza, 18, has a 2.95 ERA and a 30/5 K/BB ratio in 36 2/3 IP. After being drafted in the fifth round last year, he had a 1.30 ERA and a 68/13 K/BB ratio in 62 1/3 IP. He’s on his way to emerging as one of the better pitching prospects in the low minors.