After a week of weighing his options, Joakim Soria has decided to undergo Tommy John surgery on his ailing right elbow, reports Bob Dutton of the KC Star.
The Royals closer consulted three separate doctors this week in search of alternative treatments for the torn ligament discovered in his elbow, but today announced he would endure the season-ending procedure for a second time.
Soria, 27, underwent the same operation in 2003 as a 19-year-old in the Dodgers organization, then went on to half a decade of dominance as the Royals closer.
In five seasons, the two-time All-Star has amassed a 2.40 ERA, 9.7 K/9, a 1.043 WHIP and 160 saves, averaging 63 innings a year.
Dr. Lewis Yocum is scheduled to perform the surgery April 3 in Los Angeles; recovery time for the procedure is usually at least one year from the operation.
The Royals will pay Soria $6 million this season and hold club options worth $8 million and $8.75 million for 2013 and 2014.
If Soria's recovery doesn't go as planned or if the Royals decide he is not worth the risk, both options include $750K buy-outs.