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Royals decline 2017 club option on Hochevar

The starter-turned-reliever went 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 2016, but his season was cut short after undergoing surgery in August relating to his recent bout with thoracic outlet syndrome.

Recovery time for such a procedure is generally six months, which should put Hochevar in line for a healthy return by Spring Training.

Hochevar was selected by the Royals with the first overall pick in the 2006 Draft, and he spent his first five full seasons as a starter before transitioning to the bullpen after giving up an MLB-high 118 earned runs in '12.

Hochevar found success as a reliever, compiling a 2.