Greg Holland likely requires Tommy John surgery

The Kansas City Royals announced that reliever Greg Holland will not pitch again in 2015, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star:

Greg Holland will not pitch again in 2015, the Royals announce.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) September 24, 2015

McCullough reports that the issue is with Holland's right elbow, and that Tommy John surgery is the most likely option for Kansas City's closer:

Holland's damaged right elbow will be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache next week in Los Angeles.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) September 24, 2015

Greg Holland has a "significant" tear in his UCL, Ned Yost says. So Tommy John surgery is the most likely option.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) September 24, 2015

Holland made 48 appearances this season, with a 3.43 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 44⅔ innings, earning 32 saves. However, his walks sharply increased and his strikeouts sharply decreased this season. He walked 2.9 batters per nine innings and struck out 13 per nine innings last season, but had 5.2 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 this year. His velocity has also been down this season.

Wade Davis, an All-Star this season, has already taken over Holland's closer role and will now remain there through the postseason. The 30-year-old has made 64 appearances this season with a 0.86 ERA in 62⅔ innings with 19 walks, 70 strikeouts and 13 saves.

Holland's absence will also likely mean increased bullpen roles for lefty Franklin Morales and right-hander Ryan Madson, both of whom have ERAs below 3.00 for the Royals this season.