 This was in contrast to March 2012 when closer Joakim Soria needed season-ending Tommy John surgery and starting catcher Salvador Pérez required knee surgery which sidelined him until late June 2012.Kansas City led the majors in team batting average, hits, doubles, runs scored and on-base percentage, clinching first place in the Cactus League standings.The Royals finished with a Cactus League-leading .335 batting average and 230 runs.