Bobby Witt Jr. (knee) heads for additional testing

Witt smacked a two-run homer off Griffin Jax in the third, and clobbered a solo homer in the eighth inning that went an estimated 432 feet in the eighth. He has now homered a dozen times in 2026, and three of those came in a solid — if unspectacular based on Witt’s abilities — month of June. He’s as good as it gets at the shortstop position, and fantasy managers should expect similar to better production from the 26-year-old in the second half of the campaign.

It’s an extremely positive sign that Witt is back in Kansas City’s lineup for the second straight contest, especially with a short turnaround. He went 0-for-3 with a walk during Friday evening’s series opener following a six-game absence recovering from a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee. It doesn’t appear that there is any concern regarding his availability moving forward.

Witt made it back to Kansas City’s lineup for the first time in over one week following a six-game absence due to a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee. The encouraging development for fantasy managers is that Witt is back on the field and managed to avoid a trip to the injured list. The 26-year-old fantasy superstar has put together a phenomenal season, slashing .291/.367/.460 with 41 runs scored, 10 homers, 32 RBI and an American League-leading 28 stolen bases through 77 games this season.

This is now the sixth straight game that Witt Jr. is not in the lineup. He has been available off the bench for the last two games, but has not entered into either one of them. The Royals also had two players pinch hit in the eighth and ninth innings in Wednesday’s loss to the Rays, but neither of them was Witt Jr. Tyler Tolbert will continue to play shortstop and bat ninth as the Royals maintain a holding pattern with their star shortstop.

Witt, who is out of the lineup for the fifth consecutive game with an MCL sprain, added that his knee is feeling better each day and he was able to field grounders and take batting practice for the second straight day at Tropicana Field. A trip to the injured list can’t be ruled out at this juncture, but it sounds like there’s a chance the Royals are willing to just ride this out until Witt is ready to return in a couple days. It’s something the club did earlier this year when Maikel Garcia was battling a hamstring strain.

Witt Jr. has been out of the lineup for five straight games now. He was reportedly available off the bench on Tuesday but did not enter the game. On Wednesday, Tyler Tolbert will start at shortstop again and bat ninth. We know that Witt Jr. has been working out and getting accustomed to wearing a knee brace, but it’s fair to wonder if it might just make more sense to have put him on the injured list and let him heal.

Witt remains out of Kansas City’s lineup for the fourth straight contest due to a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee. However, it sounds like he could be available for a big spot during Tuesday’s showdown at Tropicana Field. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone took grounders during pregame warmups and appears likely to avoid a trip to the injured list at this juncture.

This will make four straight games that Witt is not in the starting lineup as he continues to deal with low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee. He’s considered day-to-day, but the Royals are obviously taking every precaution with their franchise player. With Maikel Garcia (hand) on the injured list, Tyler Tolbert will get the start at shortstop in Witt’s absence.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro delivered an encouraging update prior to Monday’s matchup in Tampa Bay, indicating the club is optimistic Witt could be available within the next couple of days after participating in baseball activities, including hitting, fielding and running the bases. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone was diagnosed with a low-grade MCL sprain in his right knee last Friday. He’s out of the lineup for the third consecutive contest with Maikel Garcia drawing another start at shortstop in his place. It sounds like there’s a strong possibility he manages to avoid the injured list and returns later this week.

Maikel Garcia returns to Kansas City’s lineup at shortstop following a three-game absence due to left hand soreness. There’s optimism Witt will avoid a trip to the injured list after undergoing an MRI on his right knee that revealed a low-grade MCL sprain. Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters that Witt is feeling better and will continue receiving treatment before being reevaluated prior to Monday’s series opener against Tampa Bay. There should be a final decision regarding a potential injured list stint prior to that contest.