Surprise, Ariz. ? Mendy Lopez once was considered the Kansas City Royals’ shortstop of the future.

But after signing with the Royals in 1992, he paid his dues playing third base in the minors until the team moved him to shortstop in 1997. In 1998, Lopez played 72 games for Kansas City and hit .243.

After the Royals released him following the 1999 season, Lopez found himself with three teams — the Florida Marlins, Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates — over three years.

Now he’s back with the Royals, trying to earn a job as a utility player. Lopez, a nonroster invite, has played five different positions — first, second, third, shortstop and left field — in spring training.

He believes his versatility will help him stick in the majors.

“That’s the reason I do that,” Lopez said. “That’s why I started to play right field and left field, in case they need me someday, I can do it. When you can play anywhere on the infield and play the outfield, it helps. You feel good about that you can help the team anywhere.”

Lopez played first base in 2001 in New Orleans, when Royals’ manager Tony Pena was his manager. He played the outfield in the winter Dominican Republic League.

“I’m starting to feel more comfortable out there,” Lopez said. “I’m not like (Royals center fielder Carlos) Beltran. I’m not fast, but if I can get to it I’ll catch it.”

Lopez has played shortstop, second and third in the majors. He considers third base his best position, but Joe Randa is locked in as the starter there.

Now, Angel Berroa is pegged as the Royals’ shortstop of the future. Ironically, Lopez broke his right thumb diving for a Berroa hit down the third-base line when the Royals were playing the Pirates in a spring training game last year.

Lopez, who played in the 2002 AAA All-Star game, the 1996 Texas League All-Star game and was a 1994 Gulf Coast League All-Star, has been bothered by injuries throughout his career. He fractured his left index finger in July 1996, which ended his season. He broke his left forearm in September 1999 when he was hit by a pitch while with Kansas City, and he missed three months in 2000 because of a hamstring injury.

“The injuries are always there, but you can’t think about that,” Lopez said.

He is just thinking about playing with the Royals again.

“I’m back home,” Lopez said. “I started my career here. It’s a business and sometimes you have to go, but I’m glad I’m back here.”