SURPRISE, Ariz., March 19 (UPI) -- Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria has injured has an elbow ligament and could need season-ending surgery, the team revealed Monday.
Soria was removed from Monday's spring training game against the Cleveland Indians after complaining of discomfort in his right (pitching) elbow.
A subsequent magnetic resonance imaging exam revealed damage to the hurler's ulnar collateral ligament.
Such diagnoses have in many cases led to "Tommy John" surgery, in which the elbow ligament is replaced. If so, Soria would be out for the entire 2012 season.
The Royals said Soria would consult with Dr. Lewis Yocum Tuesday in Los Angeles for a second opinion.
The two-time all-star closer also underwent a Tommy John procedure in 2003 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Soria compiled a 5-5 record with a 4.03 ERA and 28 saves for Kansas City last season.
