SURPRISE, Ariz.
As the Royals begin on their first full week of spring training, club officials continue to express hope that left-hander Jason Vargas will be able to log innings for the Kansas City pitching staff in 2016.
Vargas, 33, underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 5, 2015 after blowing out his ulnar collateral ligament in late July. The general recovery timeline for the surgery could challenge the Royals’ optimism.
In most instances, pitchers are sidelined for 12 to 14 months after Tommy John surgery. The Royals are often cautious in their approach to rehab.