SerpApi.Org
Bobby Witt Jr. was named in the Kansas City Royals’ starting lineup on Monday as the club opened a new series against the San Francisco Giants. His return eased initial concerns after he missed Sunday’s blowout loss to the San Diego Padres.
The Royals scratched Witt for the series finale after his back tightened up during Saturday’s game. Manager Matt Quatraro told reporters that there was some progress in his recovery, but the club chose to exercise caution (h/t Anne Rogers of MLB.com).
Witt batted once against San Francisco, drawing a walk and a strikeout as Kansas City built a 3-1 lead through four innings.
However, that proved to be Witt’s lone at-bat as Nick Loftin replaced him at shortstop to begin the fifth quarter.
The Royals later announced that Witt exited with lower back tightness.
Kansas City entered the night at 40-60, 13 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central and well off the playoff race. Witt has once again been the driving force of the club’s offense and has produced at an MVP-caliber level this season despite the team’s disappointing campaign.
He entered Monday having appeared in 93 games, batting .280 with 103 hits, 13 home runs, 39 RBIs, 51 runs scored, 30 stolen bases and an .801 OPS.
His health remains critical to any hopes the Royals have of mounting a second-half turnaround. Kansas City has struggled to generate consistent offense without its franchise shortstop, and losing him for an extended period would be another major setback for a club already facing an uphill climb in the postseason race.
