Bobby Witt Jr. Returns to Action with the Royals
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been reinstated to the lineup for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland, after missing three games due to back issues.
Witt left Friday’s game against Minnesota in the seventh inning due to lower back spasms. Previously, he had made two defensive plays on ground balls in the top of the sixth inning before leaving the field.
According to manager Matt Quatraro, Witt ran and did some fielding practice before Monday’s game in Cleveland without presenting any problems.
Witt, 25, has played in 139 of the Royals’ 144 games this season. Currently, he is batting .294 with 21 home runs and 77 RBIs, and will bat second in the lineup against the Guardians.
Jonathan India Activated and Michael Wacha on the Injured List
In addition, the Royals activated second baseman Jonathan India from the 10-day injured list. India, 28, had been out of action since August 29 due to a sprained left wrist. Before the injury, his batting average was .232 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs. Against Cleveland, India served as the designated hitter, batting seventh in the batting order.
On the other hand, the Royals placed right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha on the seven-day injured list, retroactive to Monday, due to a concussion. The team did not provide additional information about Wacha’s injury. The 34-year-old pitcher has a 9-11 record with a 3.45 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 159 innings.
The series between Kansas City and Cleveland is crucial in the fight for a postseason spot. With Monday’s 10-2 victory, the Guardians (73-70) surpassed the Royals (73-71) and positioned themselves in second place in the American League Central Division.
