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(AP) --  Royals catcher Manny Pina will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee and could miss the rest of spring training.

Pina hurt the knee Wednesday when he twisted to catch a foul tip in batting practice. Manager Ned Yost said Thursday that Pina would return to Kansas City, where surgery will be performed.

The 24-year-old from Venezuela was competing with Brayan Pena to be the backup to starting catcher Salvador Perez.

Pina made his big league debut last season, hitting .214 over the course of four games in August. He hit .238 in 68 games with Triple-A Omaha.

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