CHICAGO -- After missing six games with a Grade 1 right 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, served as the designated hitter and hit second, going 0-for-3 with a walk and run scored in the Royals’ 22-1 blowout loss to the White Sox.
The Royals were aiming for Friday to get Witt back in the lineup, and if all goes well, he could get back in the field at shortstop on Saturday. 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, which he wore on Friday night.
“I’m not a fan of wearing braces or anything, but anything to get back on the field, I’ll do it,” Witt said, while also mentioning that he doesn’t feel pain while hitting and doesn’t foresee a lot of limitations set on him when he takes the field.
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. The Royals and Witt were always hopeful that he would avoid an injured list stint when they learned that the sprain was a Grade 1, which is the lowest severity, although they did weigh the pros and cons of getting Witt some extended rest, and the last thing they want to do is risk a long-term injury with their star shortstop.
As he progressed throughout the week, he felt more and more confident that he could get back by this weekend.
“I didn’t want to put the team in a bad spot with being a guy out, but the last few games being available off the bench -- it was just whatever the team was in need of,” Witt said. “But also just making sure that I’m able to go out there and perform the way I can perform. I knew that if I’m able to play yesterday or the day before, I don’t want to miss out on games when I’m able to go out and play.”
Witt sustained the sprain on a defensive play against the Cardinals, when he awkwardly slid on the grass for a ball and heard a pop on the inside of his knee, which is something he’s never felt before.
“I thought the worst right away,” Witt said. “Luckily, it was what it was. And now, I’m back here today playing.”
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 a good amount of time. Garcia is back in Kansas City now rehabbing. He’s scheduled for another evaluation next week, which will help the team determine when he will start swinging again. With this injury, extended rest is necessary to let the strain heal, but exactly how much rest is not quite known. The next evaluation will give the Royals clarity into how Garcia is healing, and they can determine a better timeline from there.