Nick

Loftin

The runs batted in all came in different at-bats. Two scored on the two singles, but he also had one on a fielder’s choice and the other on a bases-loaded walk. It was his first career four-RBI game. He’s simply filling in for Maikel Garcia right now, but he’s angling for more playing time with his .286/.400/.381 line in 25 plate appearances.

Nick Loftin draws another start at the hot corner with Garcia getting some additional time off the rest and recover after making an early exit from Thursday’s game with right elbow soreness. The 26-year-old downplayed the severity of the issue while speaking with reporters, so it qualifies as a bit of a surprise to see him still on the shelf. There should be some additional clarity on his status later this weekend.

Garcia told reporters after Thursday’s game that he was feeling better and expected to play Friday, but that did not come to pass. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for any new Garcia news, but we’re regarding him as day-to-day for the moment. Nick Loftin is starting and leading off for the Royals against LHP Yusei Kikuchi.

Loftin gave the Royals a shot with his bases-loaded double in the bottom of the 12th, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a loss. What it really should be enough to do is get him a real look at second base. Michael Massey hasn’t done anything to deserve this many chances, and Loftin is becoming a little more interesting with his strikeout rate going from good to great this year (he’s fanned four times in 44 plate appearances between Triple-A and the majors). The Royals have nothing to lose at this point.

Loftin gets the call to join Kansas City’s bench with veteran Jonathan India hitting the injured list with a shoulder ailment. The 27-year-old is capable of handling multiple spots defensively and makes sense in a reserve role at the highest level. He’s gotten into 147 games for the Royals since 2023.

Loftin took lefty Sean Newcomb deep in the fifth inning and reached base safely in three of his four plate appearances out of the leadoff spot. The 27-year-old is fighting for one of the final spots on Kansas City’s bench this spring and continues to build a strong case.

Loftin hit his salami off Michael Lorenze in the first inning. The 27-year-old has been an up-and-down player over the past few seasons with Kansas City, and it’s likely that’ll be his role again in 2026.

Loftin got 188 plate appearances over nearly four months with the Royals and hit .208/.278/.357. It seems like he should have been better, what with his fine 14% strikeout rate and adequate 34% hard-hit rate, but it wasn’t meant to be this time around. He should get another chance to compete for a utility role next spring.

The Royals picked Nick Loftin over Rave in left field against a righty for a second straight game tonight, but Rave was needed early and homered off Sean Burke in the third. He later singled and scored a second run. Loftin had a nice game, too, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk, so Rave didn’t make up much ground there. It’s possible Rave, currently hitting .217/.312/.358 in 140 plate appearances, will be sent down when Jac Caglianone comes off the injured list.

Loftin has been out since July 23 after suffering a concussion. The 26-year-old should be a depth piece for Kansas City now that he’s back on the roster.