Royals place Hochevar on DL with thoracic outlet symptoms

The Kansas City Royals have placed right-hander Luke Hochevar on the 15-day disabled list after the reliever experienced symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, the team announced Thursday.

Manager Ned Yost told reporters Hochevar has been feeling numbness in his fingers. As a result, he will be examined by a specialist in the Dallas area; the Royals are in the Metroplex for a series against the Rangers.

Right-hander Brooks Pounders was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill the vacant roster spot.

Hochevar joins a growing list of pitchers who have been felled by thoracic outlet syndrome this season, including New York Mets star Matt Harvey, Minnesota Twins right-hander Phil Hughes, and top Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer.

Hochevar, a former first overall pick by the Royals, owns a 3.86 ERA and is averaging 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings over 40 games this season. The 32-year-old has been mentioned in trade rumors this week amid his team's fall from contention.