The Royals received a lift on Tuesday as starter Danny Duffy re-joined the rotation in Seattle. On Friday, however, Royals manager Ned Yost revealed that his club may have to compete without another starting pitcher for the rest of the season.
Nathan Karns, on the disabled list since May, could be headed for season-ending surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome, Yost said on Friday.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a neurogenic condition caused by the compression of nerves near the neck and shoulder. It can cause numbness in the fingers and soreness in the arm. Last season, it felled reliever Luke Hochevar and Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer.