The Kansas City Royals have lost another key member of their starting lineup to injury.
On Tuesday, the Royals placed third baseman Maikel Garcia on the 10-day injured list with a left hand muscle strain and recalled utility infielder Josh Rojas from Triple-A Omaha.
Garcia first injured his hand in mid-May in the Royals' series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Garcia tried to manage the pain and play through it, but has now landed on the shelf to rest the hand.
The 26-year-old was forced to miss three games at the end of last week due to hand soreness. He returned to the lineup on Sunday and Monday to play shortstop in place of Bobby Witt Jr., who is dealing with a right knee sprain. Witt has now missed four consecutive games.
So, Garcia being placed on the IL comes at a bad time given how banged up the Royals' infield is currently. Not only is Witt injured, but Kansas City lost first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino to a right hamate bone fracture on June 14. The Royals have also dealt with a slew of pitching injuries this season as well. Starters' Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans are both on the IL at the moment.
Following his breakout season in 2025, where he slashed .286/.351/.449 with a .800 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBI and 23 stolen bases, Garcia has struggled this year. In 69 games, the third baseman is hitting .261/.320/.373 with a .693 OPS, three homers, 30 RBI and just five steals.
Regardless, the Royals need a productive and healthy Garcia in their lineup if they're going to turn their season around somehow. They will also hope that Witt can avoid an IL stint.
The 33-46 Royals are in last place in the American League Central division at eight games back. They're also 6.5 games back of the third and final AL Wild Card spot.
