Paulino only wants to return when 100 percent ready

KANSAS CITY -- Royals right-hander Felipe Paulino made his third rehabilitation start with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, but said he still needs more time to get comfortable.

"To be honest with you, I need more work," Paulino said. "In this situation, where the team is good, I don't want to come in here and mess it up. I want to be sure that if I come back here, I will help. They are pitching so well that if I come back, I have to prove myself and prove to everybody that I am back to help."

Paulino, who is still recovering from last year's Tommy John surgery, pitched 3 2/3 innings against Memphis and allowed two runs on two hits with four walks and six strikeouts. He threw 82 pitches, 42 strikes. He said he has three more starts scheduled in Omaha.

"I still feel a little mechanically off, but the good thing is that it was a game and games make me feel better," Paulino said. "I really tried to make some adjustments myself and hopefully my next one, I will keep it going."

Paulino started his rehabilitation assignment in July, but returned to Kansas City to meet with doctors about stiffness in his back. He also experienced shoulder stiffness before re-starting his assignment on Aug. 8. Through three starts, he is 0-1 with a 8.10 ERA.