Hillman interview: Aviles to undergo Tommy John surgery

Homecoming for Buck

It has been said by manager Trey Hillman that catcher John Buck could be back much sooner then later.  “He is doing very well down there in Omaha, catching nine innings without any difficulties, now we’re looking for Buck to catch in back-to-back days,” said Hillman.  “By the end of the week or the early part of next, we should see John Buck back with the club, but we still have to wait and see.” On another Royals catcher update, starting catcher Miguel Olivo was suspended for one game by Major League Baseball for what was deemed an animated argument with an umpire last Saturday in Pittsburgh.  He will serve his suspension today against the Minnesota Twins.

Sorry Mike

On a more somber note, one week from now, Royals shortstop Mike Aviles will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow.  “Typically 9-12 months is the recovery time for an injury like this, we are going to be very cautious with Mike, and make sure we do this the right way,” said Hillman.