Royals pitcher Nathan Karns is expected to be healthy for spring training in 2018 after undergoing season-ending surgery on Thursday in Dallas for thoracic outlet syndrome.
The surgery was scheduled earlier this month after Karns was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, a neurogenic condition caused by the compression of nerves near the neck and shoulder. He last pitched on May 19, exiting a start in Minnesota with tightness in his forearm.
The surgery included the removal of a rib — a first rib resection — near the shoulder, a standard technique. The operation was performed by Dr.