Aviles to have elbow surgery, out for the year

 Royals shortstop Mike Aviles will undergo reconstructive surgery on his right elbow and will be out for the rest of the season, manager Trey Hillman announced on Wednesday.

“Mike Aviles is going to have Tommy John surgery a week from today,” Hillman said. “Dr. (Lewis) Yocum will be doing it in LA. We came to this conclusion after further testing. Obviously, there is ligament damage.”

Aviles has been on the disabled list since May 23 with what was described as a right forearm strain. Hillman said the strain was a result of the elbow damage.

After giving the elbow a period of rest, the problem did not calm down and surgery was deemed necessary.

“Typical with position players, there’s a nine-to-12 month recovery period,” Hillman said.

That means Aviles would, at a minimum, be out until next April.

Aviles has been in Arizona going through an injury rehabilitation program. He played 36 games this season and batted just .183 with one home run and eight RBIs.

–Dick Kaegel