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KC's Mondesi sees action with Licey in Miami

Club's No. 1 prospect gets taste of Winter Leagues in exhibition games during Serie de las Americas

MIAMI -- Raul Mondesi, the Royals' No. 1 prospect and the only player to make his MLB debut in the World Series, is not just on the fast track, but the 20-year-old shortstop also continues to carve out his own unique path.

Mondesi experienced another first this weekend. He saw his first Winter League action for the Tigres del Licey at Marlins Park in the inaugural Serie de las Americas.

Mondesi has yet to play for Licey in games that count in the Dominican Republic standings. That is expected in the next week or so. In Miami, he participated in a couple of exhibitions in games featuring teams from the Dominican and Venezuela.

In Sunday's third-place game, Mondesi went 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Licey's 4-2 win over Venezuelan-based Navegantes del Magallanes.

"I've just got to slow down the game, and everything is going to be OK," Mondesi said.

Actually, things have progressed at a quick pace for Mondesi the past few months. Although he had never played above Double-A, he was informed to be ready in case he was needed for the postseason.

Mondesi was on the World Series roster, and his first big league action was a tough assignment. In Game 3, he was a pinch-hitter and struck out against hard-throwing Noah Syndergaard of the Mets.

Video: WS2015 Gm3: Mondesi makes MLB debut in World Series

The Royals went on to win the World Series, and Mondesi, who has yet to have a big league at-bat in the regular season, will have a championship ring.

Mondesi has not slowed down much since the World Series, as he's been in the Dominican Republic getting ready to join Licey. He has yet to have an official at-bat for Licey, but on Saturday in a 4-2 loss to Aguilas, Mondesi entered as a defensive replacement. In his lone at-bat, he had a hit.

On Sunday, he impressed with his defense and speed. His double in the third inning set up the game's first run.

One National League scout called Mondesi "the best player on the field."

"The World Series, I talked to a lot to those guys, and it helped me a lot," Mondesi said. "It was a great experience. It helped me to come here, and I'm going to be part of playing in the Dominican."

Now with the Serie de las Americas completed, Mondesi will travel back to the Dominican Republic, and he is expected to play for Licey soon.

"With Licey, I will try to get my at-bats and work on my counts," Mondesi said. "I'm also working on my defense. The Royals want me to work on getting on base more and taking advantage of my speed."

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro and listen to his podcast.
Read More: Kansas City Royals, Raul Mondesi