Witt misses 3rd straight game, but completes 'very encouraging' workout

ST. PETERSBURG -- Bobby Witt Jr.'s sprained right knee kept him out of the Royals’ lineup for the third straight game Monday. But prior to the team’s series opener against the Rays, the star shortstop went through what manager Matt Quatraro called a “very encouraging” workout.

Witt -- who has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 1 MCL sprain during Thursday’s game against the Cardinals -- hit in the batting cage, ran the bases and fielded ground balls on Monday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

He did his on-field activity while wearing a brace over his injured knee, which Quatraro said Witt is still getting used to.

“We're hopeful that in the next couple days, he's available,” the manager said.

When asked if that means Witt won’t be an option off the bench during Monday’s game, Quatraro said Witt “would like to be,” but the team needs to see how he physically responds from the day’s work.

Maikel Garcia got his second consecutive start at shortstop in Witt’s stead, batting second against Tampa Bay. Garcia returned to action Sunday after missing three games with left hand soreness and went 0-for-5 in the Royals’ 12-10 loss to St. Louis.

Witt entered Monday as the American League leader in stolen bases (28) and FanGraphs WAR (4.4). The two-time All-Star was the leading vote-getter among AL shortstops in the latest All-Star Game ballot update, which was released Monday.