Joakim Soria Has Elbow Damage, May Need Tommy John Surgery
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Ed Zurga/Getty Images(SURPRISE, Ariz.) — Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria may be facing the two scariest words a pitcher can hear: Tommy John.
Over the next few days, Soria will consider how he will treat an elbow injury that could keep him out of action for the long term. The former All-Star has damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Soria may have to undergo Tommy John Surgery, which would end his season. Even if Soria doesn’t have the surgery, he will be out at least three months.
“It’s going to be a serious blow to our ‘pen,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “Jack was the guy that was the leader in the bullpen. He was the guy everybody looked up to do. We think we’ll be covered down there, be able to absorb it. But, still, when you lose your leader, that hurts.”
Even though he struggled with a 4.03 ERA last season, during his five year career Soria has been one of the best closers in the American League. He is averaging 32 saves a season and has a career ERA of 2.40.
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