KANSAS CITY -- Royals right-hander Nate Karns underwent successful surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome on Wednesday in Dallas, manager Ned Yost said Thursday.
Karns likely will be recovered in time for Spring Training.
"Everything went well," Yost said. "Everything went just as expected. They took out the rib, what they normally do."
The surgery was performed by Dr. Gregory Pearl. Karns is recovering at Baylor Hospital.
Yost said Royals trainer Nick Kenney was told the surgery was less invasive than other types of thoracic outlet syndrome procedures. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition in which blood flow is restricted because of compressed blood vessels or nerves near the first rib and collarbone.
"Nick said he's [handled four players] who have had the surgery and for two of them, there was a lot of pain for the player after surgery," Yost said. "But for both Nate and Dillon Gee, there wasn't a lot of pain involved. That's a good thing."
Gee pitched for the Royals last year and had the surgery at the end of the season. Gee was signed by the Rangers in the offseason and was pitching again this Spring Training.
"That's the hope for Nate," Yost said.
Karns, acquired last offseason from Seattle for outfielder Jarrod Dyson, made nine appearances, eight starts, this season and went 2-2 with a 4.17 ERA. Karns went on the disabled list in May because of forearm soreness, which lingered to the point that team physicians suspected thoracic outlet syndrome might be the issue. The 29-year-old is under club control through the 2020 season.