Joakim Soria On Schedule In Tommy John Surgery Recovery

The Kansas City Royals and Royals fans received bad news in the spring when closer Joakim Soria underwent Tommy John surgery on April 3. While the surgery is certainly a career setback, it's no longer the daunting procedure it once was, and full recoveries are becoming more and more standard. The problem is, however, that this is Soria's second Tommy John surgery.

However, Soria is right on schedule in his recovery, and if things continue to go as smoothly as they have been, he could be ready for the start of the 2013 season.

Soria, who underwent the elbow ligament reconstruction on April 3, is doing his rehabilitation work at the Royals' facility in Surprise, Ariz. He can begin throwing about October, and could possibly be ready to pitch a year from the surgery. The Royals are being extra cautious because this is Soria's second such surgery.

As Kaegel notes in his article, the Royals will face a tough decision with Soria this winter. Kansas City can exercise an $8 million dollar club option, or decline it and let Soria test the free agent waters.

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