Duffy Will Likely Require Tommy John Surgery

When Danny Duffy was scratched in the first inning of his start this past Sunday, after 13 pitches and for the second time in four starts, alarm bells immediately began ringing for the Royals faithful.

And those alarms bells proved to be warranted today, as Duffy now appears to be heading for Tommy John surgery per an afternoon tweet from the Royals official Twitter account.

Obviously, there isn’t much more to say here that isn’t part of an extended and expletive-laden tirade. Royals fans everywhere just had their worst fears realized, just saw the club’s most (arguably only) promising pitcher likely sidelined for over a year. And while we’re on the subject of heavy realizations, the following question needs to be considered: Will Duffy ever be the electrifying, high 90’s pumping wunderkind he was this season ever again?

I’m not ready to answer that (quite depressing) question yet, and truthfully am barely ready to comprehend the loss of Duffy on this 2012 Royals team. With fellow lefty Jonathan Sanchez also currently on the DL, the already struggling rotation is sure to be a glaring weakness for the remainder of the season. Unless, of course, you have the utmost faith in injury replacements Vin Mazzaro, Luis Mendoza, and Nate Adcock.

Sigh.

Is there any better way to start a road trip against Josh Hamilton and the white-hot Texas Rangers?

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