Royals closer Joakim Soria had a recent MRI that revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, the team announced Monday afternoon.
Soria left after throwing just 16 pitches in a Sunday outing, and expressed concern after his appearance about his pain. While it remains unclear as to how much regular season time - if any - Soria will miss, the Royals may be forced to seek an alternative option at closer.
Two names that have been tossed around are Greg Holland and Jon Broxton. Broxton was formerly an All Star closer with the Dodgers, while Holland finished 2011 with an impressive 1.80 ERA and allowed just 37 hits in 60 innings pitched.
Injuries to key players have been an unfortunate storyline leading up to the Royals' season, as Soria joins stud catcher Salvador Perez as candidates to miss extended time early in the season.
For more on Soria's injury and the Royals spring training progress, check out Royals Review.