Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez may prove to be the first major injury casualty of the 2019 MLB season.
The Royals announced Friday that Perez has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will seek a second opinion next week from Dr. Neal ElAttrache. For the moment, the catcher can be considered out indefinitely.
Official statement from the #Royals regarding Salvador Perez’s status. pic.twitter.com/HbEBhoWSoZ
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) March 1, 2019
It is important to note that nothing is confirmed yet. The worst-case scenario for such an injury, however, is likely Tommy John surgery, which would probably rule Perez out of action for the season.
Even though the Royals weren’t expected to contend this season, losing Perez would be a massive blow. He’s won five of the last six AL Gold Gloves and has made six consecutive All-Star appearances. This would be the second straight season he’s suffered a notable injury in spring training, though this one looks to have the potential to be much more severe.
