Royals place Luke Hochevar on rehab stint with Class AAA Omaha

The Royals completed a procedural maneuver with reliever Luke Hochevar as they placed him on a rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Omaha. Hochevar began the season with the Storm Chasers in New Orleans on Sunday night.

Hochevar has been on the 15-day disabled list since undergoing Tommy John surgery last March.

The organization hopes Hochevar can contribute at the big-league level by May. A rehab assignment for a pitcher lasts 30 days.

In order to earn a call-up, Hochevar must show his arm can handle the strain of pitching on back-to-back days. He has yet to appear in a game after less than two days of rest.