Salvador Perez Sidelined 3-4 Months Following Knee Surgery

The Kansas City Royals have announced catcher Salvador Perez will miss three to four months while recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.  The blow is significant, as Perez is Kansas City’s every day backstop, and the Royals are currently sifting through possible replacements for the 21-year-old from outside the organization.  Perez signed a five-year extension with the Royals late last month.

At this point, backup catcher Bryan Pena slides into Kansas City’s starting catcher role.  However, Bob Dutton of The Kansas City Star reported yesterday that the Royals are scouring the free agent and trade markets for another veteran to pair with Pena.

14-time All-Star Ivan Rodriguez has had his name linked to the Royals.  Rodriguez, who turned 40 in November, only hit .218/.281/.323 over his 44 games with the Nationals in 2011.  The veteran hasn’t posted an OPS north of .667 since the 2008 season.

Beyond Rodriguez, Dutton said the Royals could look at a trio of trade targets; Craig Tatum, Corky Miller and Wil Nieves.  None offer anything to write home about, but each could likely be acquired on the cheap and would provide the Royals with the veteran presence they are seeking.

For more on the Royals, be sure to check out Kings of Kauffman.

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