The Cautious Call
Bobby Witt Jr. stayed home while his team flew to Denver. The Royals shortstop missed the weekend series against the Rockies due to low back tightness that has kept him out since July 21. This marks the first time in his career that Witt has landed on the injured list. Manager Matt Quatraro explained the move was about being careful. “He’s doing great,” Quatraro told reporters in a statement. The team wanted to avoid rushing him back before he was truly ready. They could have pushed him to play on Friday, but the odds of him seeing action in all the games were low. Taking the extra days off ensures he returns fully healthy.
He’s the engine of this lineup.
The Royals need their best player to be at full strength for the upcoming homestand. Witt finished as the runner-up for the American League MVP award in 2024. He also placed fourth in that same voting just last year. His stats this season show why he is so valuable. He has hit 13 home runs and maintains a .279 batting average. More importantly, he is tied for the league lead with 30 stolen bases. Speed and power are rare together, but Witt has both. The team made the right call by waiting until Tuesday.
A Historic Streak
Witt’s return on Tuesday would be more than just a lineup fix. It would extend a historic run of consistency that very few players in baseball history can match. In each of his initial five Major League seasons, he has stolen no fewer than 30 bases. This level of durability and speed is incredibly hard to find. According to MLB.com Royals, he is one of only four players in the Modern Era to do this. The other three are legends: Rickey Henderson, Ichiro Suzuki, and Vince Coleman. That is the company Witt keeps.
Being a three-time All-Star adds to the resume. He has also won two Gold Glove Awards for his defense at shortstop. He holds the reigning Platinum Glove Award in the American League. These honors prove he is elite on both sides of the ball. The back issue is a worry, but his track record suggests he will bounce back fast. The Royals are 46-64 this season, so every win matters. Losing their best player for even a few days hurts their chances. The team is currently fighting to climb out of the lower half of the standings.
Back in the Lineup
The plan is clear for the rest of the week. Witt will go through another workout in Kansas City on Saturday. He did a full workout at home earlier this week. Per Royals Review, the team is looking to wrap up their longest road trip in winning fashion. They lost two close games in Minnesota, which was frustrating. Now they face a Rockies team that has a poor record overall. Colorado is 42-67 and tied for the worst record in baseball. However, the Rockies are better at home, with a 24-29 record in Denver.
Witt is expected to play when the team gets back home. “We anticipate him playing when we get back home,” Quatraro said. The first game of the homestand is Tuesday against the Twins. This six-game stretch is a chance to gain some ground. The Royals have a lot of talent, but they need everyone healthy. Witt’s return gives them a massive boost. His speed changes how the other team plays defense. His power forces pitchers to be careful with every throw. The fans in Kansas City are eager to see him back in action. The wait is almost over. Tuesday night will be the start of a new push.
