The news Kansas City Royals fans didn't want to hear may soon become a reality, as it appears closer Joakim Soria could need Tommy John surgery to repair damage to his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow,
that according to GM Dayton Moore.
Moore said that Soria will visit with Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles on Tuesday for a second opinion, and the Royals are undoubtedly hopeful he will not need the procedure.
Soria left Sunday's 16 pitch outing with pain, and had an MRI earlier Monday to assess the issue.
He's already undergone Tommy John surgery once in his career, missing the entire 2003 season with the Dodgers as a result. Tommy John has a recovery period of 12 months, meaning that Soria will miss all of 2012 if the surgery is needed.
For more on Soria's injury and the Royals spring training progress, check out Royals Review.