Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that Royals rookie second baseman Johnny Giavotella underwent hip surgery to repair a torn labrum, but “is expected to be fine by the start of spring training.”
Giavotella was one of many quality prospects called up by the Royals this season and struggled as a 23-year-old, hitting .247 with a .273 on-base percentage, .376 slugging percentage, and 32/6 K/BB ratio in 46 games.
His minor-league track record is much more impressive, as the 2008 second-round pick hit .322 at Double-A and .338 at Triple-A prior to being called up. He doesn’t have much power, but Giavotella figures to eventually control the strike zone well, get on base at a solid clip, and smack plenty of doubles as the long-term starter at second base.
