Royals place Bobby Witt Jr. on the injured list for first time in his career

Pete Grathoff and PJ Green, The Kansas City Star on Jul 22, 2026

Published in Baseball

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Before Wednesday, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s entry in the Kansas City Royals’ media guide included just two transactions.

In 2019, Witt was selected with the second overall pick in the MLB draft. In 2024, he signed a 14-year contract with the Royals that included 11 years guaranteed.

Unfortunately for Witt, there is a new career transaction now as he was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with tightness in his lower back.

The move was made before the Royals’ afternoon series finale against the San Francisco Giants at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals also transferred pitcher Stephen Kolek to the 60-day IL and selected infielder Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Omaha.

Witt, 26, exited Monday’s game because of his back. It is the second injury he’s had this season. He missed six games in June because of a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee, but that did not require time on the injured list.

“He got tightened up pretty good,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said after Monday’s game. “His back tightened up pretty well there early in the game. So we’re getting him evaluated tonight and see how he feels.”

On Wednesday, Witt said he started feeling some tightness before Saturday’s 6-1 win against the San Diego Padres. He played through it but didn’t get a hit that day.

He sat out Sunday’s 19-2 blowout loss to San Diego, giving his back a day of rest. But the spasms got worse, and he left Monday’s game against the Giants in the fifth inning.

“One of those things where the type of play that I play, I couldn’t be myself out there, and I couldn’t even be 50% myself,” Witt said. “So it was just one of those things where it sucks.”

No athlete wants to miss games due to injury, but Witt understands the need for some time off. He and Royals’ training staff are ensuring the injury doesn’t get worse and linger, as back injuries often can.

The break will also allow some time for his knee to rest.

“I think anytime you can recover, but also going to be kind of trying to get everything right,” Witt said. “First time on IL, so I’m not trying to benefit from any of that, but also I’m just trying to make sure I’m ready to go out and help the team.”

Beyond the injuries to Witt and Kolek, who is dealing with a right-flexor strain, injuries have decimated the Royals all season long.

The entire starting infield from opening day has landed on the Injured List. Third baseman Maikel Garcia (left-hand muscle strain) is currently on the IL; first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino recently returned from a thumb injury; and second baseman Jonathan India (left-shoulder surgery) is out for the season.

With Witt out, Tyler Tolbert has played shortstop — but teammates Josh Rojas, Nick Loftin and Velazquez can also step in.

Manager Matt Quatraro remembers Velazquez as a versatile “gamer” from their time together with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 and 2019.

The 32-year-old infielder has played nearly every position on the field over his eight-year career. He is back in the majors for the first time in three years after minor-league stints with the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks.

“I remember how hard he plays,” Quatraro said. “He’s always been that guy that’s high energy, earned every second of everything he’s gotten. Switch-hitter ... played really good defense. You know, he’s a guy that just loves being at the yard and playing baseball.”

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