through the '09 season, posting the highest ERA of AL starters (6.55) while going 7–13. In his first start of the year on April 7, 2010, Hochevar threw 7 scoreless innings in a 3–2 win in 11 innings over the Detroit Tigers. Through June 2010, Hochevar was 5–4 with a 4.96 ERA. He was on the Disabled List with a right elbow strain from mid-June until September. He finished the year at 6–6 with a 4.81 ERA. 2011–2013 Hochevar was the Royals' opening day starter in 2011. At the All-Star break, he had a win–loss record of 5–8 with a 5.46 ERA. He fared significantly better after the break, ending the season with an 11–11 record and a 4.68 ERA. Also notable was his 1.28 WHIP. Hochevar's strong finish in 2011 suggested that he might emerge as a top-quality starting pitcher in 2012. Instead, he experienced a disappointing season, finishing with an 8–16 record and a 5.73 ERA. He allowed more earned runs than any other major league pitcher, and his -1.7 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) was the worst of his career. On January 15, 2013, Hochevar filed for salary arbitration, the only Royals player to do so in the off-season, and the second year in a row that he has done so. In 2012, he and the team settled on a $3.51 million one-year deal. The Royals announced on January 18, 2013, that they had reached agreement with Hochevar on a one-year contract worth $4.56 million, thus avoiding arbitration. On March 13, 2013. Royals manager Ned Yost announced that Hochevar would not begin the season in the starting rotation. Hochevar was instead assigned to the bullpen for middle relief duties. In that role, he performed effectively for the Royals, posting a 1.92 ERA in 70.1 innings. He also struck out 82 batters while walking only 17. 2014–2016 During a Spring Training game against the White Sox on March 3, 2014, Hochevar suffered an elbow injury and left the game. An MRI the following day showed a tear of the UCL in the right elbow. On March 7, 2014, Royals officials confirmed the injury and stated Hochevar would be undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair the damage. The surgery caused Hochevar to miss the entire 2014 season. On December 3, 2014, Hochevar signed a 2-year, $10 million agreement with the Kansas City Royals. He made 49 appearances in the 2015