Royals activate Witt, designate Strahm for assignment

The Royals activated shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list before Tuesday night's game against the Twins at Kauffman Stadium, recalling right-hander Jose Cuas and designating lefty Matt Strahm and infielder Andrew Velazquez for assignment in corresponding moves.

Witt, who had been on the IL since July 22 (retroactive to July 21) with low back tightness, ranks third in the American League in FanGraphs WAR with 4.8, having hit .279 with 13 homers and an AL-leading 30 steals through 94 games.

The 32-year-old Cuas returns to the bigs for his third stint this season and has a 2.84 ERA across his first five outings with the Royals this year.

The 34-year-old Strahm, whom the Royals developed after drafting him in 2012, had an uncharacteristically poor second stint in K.C. after being dealt by the Phillies in December. The lefty posted a 7.32 ERA in 41 outings, surrendering 12 home runs in 35 2/3 innings while striking out 2.5 batters per nine fewer than his career average entering 2026.

Velazquez played in six games with the Royals this year, recording one hit in 15 at-bats.

Witt has stolen at least 30 bases in each of his first five Major League seasons. He is one of four players in the Modern Era (since 1900) to have accomplished that, joining Rickey Henderson, Ichiro Suzuki and Vince Coleman.

The 26-year-old is also a three-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner at shortstop and the reigning Platinum Glove Award winner in the AL.