Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria is headed for Tommy John surgery, abruptly ending his season.
The 27-year-old right-hander’s procedure is scheduled for April 2 and will be performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. The typical recovery time is between ninth months and a year.
The problem surfaced when he was removed from last Sunday’s game against Cleveland after complaining of elbow discomfort.
Soria underwent his first reconstructive elbow procedure nine years ago when he was in the Dodgers’ organization.
A two-time All-Star, Soria has recorded 160 saves since 2007.
Former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton or Greg Holland, the Royals’ setup man last year, could be in line to take over Soria’s ninth-inning role.