Bobby Witt Jr. is out of the Kansas City Royals' lineup Sunday for the series finale against the San Diego Padres with a tight back, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Manager Matt Quatraro told Rogers the tightness progressed during Saturday's game, and the club wants to be cautious with the shortstop.
Witt, a three-time All-Star and first-time All-Star starter for the American League in this year’s All-Star Game, has been one of the most productive players all season. He entered the weekend slashing .280/.350/.451 with 13 home runs, 39 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. His numbers add up to a 4.7 WAR, leading the AL.
The 26-year-old has made himself the face of Kansas City's franchise cornerstone players since debuting in 2022, and Sunday's absence is the second time this season that a physical issue has pulled him from the lineup. He missed six games in June with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. Maikel Garcia is expected to shift over from third to short with Witt sidelined.
Kansas City has struggled to contend in 2026, sitting well outside the postseason position in the AL Central. While the Royals still have a chance to make it to October baseball, keeping Witt healthy is the most important factor in the team's chances not just of contending right now, but of having a healthy lineup heading into next season as well.
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Quatraro's update on Sunday offered no word on a possible IL stint or timeline for Witt's return, leaving his status on Monday uncertain as the Royals open a new week fighting 10 games out of a Wild Card spot.
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