Kansas City, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - In an expected move, the Kansas City Royals placed pitcher Luke Hochevar on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, retroactive to March 21.
Hochevar is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed earlier this month.
Moved to the bullpen last season, Hochevar posted a 5-2 record with a 1.92 earned run average over 58 appearances. The 30-year-old former first overall pick was expected to compete for the fifth spot in the Royals' starting rotation prior to sustaining the season-ending injury.
Hochevar suffered a similar injury in 2010, but it did not require surgery.
The Royals also placed right-hander Louis Coleman on the 15-day DL Sunday, retroactive to March 24, with a bone contusion/sprain of the middle finger on his pitching hand.
Coleman, 27, made 27 relief appearances for the Royals last season and went 3-0 with a minuscule 0.61 ERA.
Also Sunday, Kansas City returned infielder Jason Donald to minor league camp and released catcher Ramon Hernandez from his minor league contract.
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