After missing six games with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, Bobby Witt Jr. was back in the Royals' starting lineup for their series opener against the AL Central-leading White Sox on Friday night. Witt, who sustained the injury during Kansas City's win over the Cardinals on June 18, was at DH and hitting second.
Witt went through on-field drills prior to each of the team's past four games against the Rays, often while wearing a knee brace. Witt said on Wednesday that his knee has "been better every day." When manager Matt Quatraro was asked Thursday if Witt will be in the lineup for Friday's series opener against the White Sox, he said, "That's my hope, yes."
On Thursday, it was announced that the 26-year-old, two-time All-Star had advanced to Phase 2 of All-Star voting as a finalist to start at shortstop in the Midsummer Classic for the American League.
Along with Witt, the Royals have been without first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino due to a fractured bone in his right hand. The team also placed third baseman Maikel Garcia on the injured list Tuesday due to a left hand muscle strain that has bothered him for about a month.