NEW YORK -- The Kansas City Royals are making a switch in their rotation, moving Bruce Chen into a starting role and shifting Luis Mendoza to the bullpen.
Manager Ned Yost said Monday before the Royals faced the Yankees that this was the plan all along if Mendoza struggled.
A 15-year veteran, Chen won 23 games as a starter for Kansas City the past two seasons. But Yost said it made sense to use Mendoza in the rotation when Chen was roughed up in spring training.
Mendoza, though, has faltered with a 2-5 record and 4.87 ERA.
Chen was 3-0 in 19 relief appearances with a 2.41 ERA this season. He will start Friday against Cleveland.
Also, the Royals recalled right-hander Louis Coleman from Triple-A Omaha and optioned lefty Will Smith to their top minor league club.
