The Kansas City Royals are beginning the 2019 season on a disappointing note.
The Royals announced on Tuesday that a second opinion confirmed Salvador Perez needs Tommy John surgery, which the catcher will undergo on Wednesday. Word emerged on Friday that Perez had a damaged ulnar collateral ligament and would likely need the operation.
Perez will likely be out for the entire season as Tommy John surgery often requires several months of rehab.
Perez, 28, is a franchise cornerstone for the Royals and has spent his entire career with the team. He’s won five of the last six AL Gold Gloves and made six consecutive All-Star appearances. The catcher is making $11.2 million this season and owed $28.4 million through 2021.
