Royals’ Luke Hochevar to have Tommy John surgery
By Matt Fisher
Another pitcher has lost his season to Tommy John surgery.
This time, it’s Royals’ pitcher Luke Hochevar. The original prognosis for the 30-year old right-handed pitcher was that he would be out until May with what was diagnosed as a sprained UCL. The UCL is the primary ligament in question when Tommy John surgery is mentioned, and earlier today, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reported that Hochevar will indeed miss the 2014 season.
Like Hochevar looked on the verge of tears a few times when discussing his injury. A brutal blow for him, and the team.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 7, 2014
Bruce Chen offered to bring Luke Hochevar dinner from Longhorn Steakhouse, and help clean his condo down here.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) March 7, 2014
McCullough also mentioned the possibility of using Yordano Ventura or Danny Duffy to replace Hochevar in the bullpen, but he didn’t sound like he was in favor of the idea.
The Royals apparently do not have insurance on Hochevar’s contract, which expires at the end of this year, enabling Hochevar to be a first time free agent. Hochevar has spent all seven years of his career in Kansas City, and last season, spent the whole year in the bullpen, compiling a 5-2 record with a 1.92 ERA, racking up an impressive 10.5 K/9.