Royals Catcher To Have Surgery

This season just hasn't gone as planned for Kansas City Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez. Batting just .211 with a .680 OPS following his monster 48-HR season last year, Perez will now be out for the foreseeable future, as he'll be undergoing thumb surgery.

Salvador Perez will have surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament on his left thumb. He has been placed on the 10-day injured list and is expected to return this season.

We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/KNTJZjmva2

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 24, 2022

The Royals say the surgery is to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. He IS expected to return this season, though how long he'll be out is as yet unknown.

Perez has battled injuries all season, likely part of the reason for his struggles at the plate. He banged 48 homers with 121 RBIs last season — both MLB-leading numbers — while posting an .859 OPS.

To replace him on the roster, KC has reinstated outfielder Edward Olivares. In the 15 games before he went out with a quad injury, Olivares was hitting .371.

Rookie MJ Melendez will now take on most of the backstop duties going forward.

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports