Bobby Witt Jr. to injured list with lower back tightness
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to July 21 due to persistent back tightness, marking his first IL stint in five Major League seasons.
- Witt experienced back spasms that worsened over several days, limiting his ability to play effectively, and he is expected to rest until the tightness subsides before resuming baseball activities.
- Infielder Andrew Velazquez was called up from Triple-A Omaha to fill in at shortstop, with Tyler Tolbert also expected to share playing time during Witt's absence.
- The Royals also transferred right-hander Stephen Kolek to the 60-day IL due to a right flexor strain likely requiring surgery, exacerbating the team's injury challenges.
- Witt had been having a strong season despite previous injuries, batting .279 with 13 home runs and 30 stolen bases, but his absence adds to a growing list of Royals players sidelined this year amid the team's struggles.
