Royals place Hochevar on DL, recall Pounders from Omaha
The Royals' longest-tenured pitcher was placed on the disabled list and is being replaced by a longtime minor leaguer who won the hearts of fans in his first stint with the club this season.
The Royals announced Thursday that right-hander Luke Hochevar has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. The move is retroactive to July 25, and Hochevar will be eligible for reinstatement August 9.
Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms include pain in the shoulder and neck caused by the compression of blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and first rib. In detailing Hochevar's symptoms on Thursday, manager Ned Yost said, "His hand has swollen up and been like it's falling asleep. He's losing feeling in his fingers."
Yost said that after getting several days of rest, Hochevar threw a bullpen session on Thursday in Texas. However, the same symptoms ultimately persisted.
Ned Yost describes the symptoms that led to Luke Hochevar being placed on the DL. #Royalshttps://t.co/Nu5O0N6ww1
— FOX Sports KC (@FSKansasCity) July 28, 2016
Taking Hochevar's spot on the roster is right-handed reliever Brooks Pounders, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha (AAA).
Pounders, 25, made his major league debut on July 5 and pitched in three games with the club earlier this month before being returned to Omaha. Fans will remember watching his father wiping away tears in the stands at Kauffman Stadium after he won a July 7 game against the Mariners -- his first big-league win.
Pounders has posted a 5-1 record with a 2.82 ERA in 22 appearances and seven starts with the Storm Chasers this season.
