Bobby Witt Jr. returns to Royals’ lineup ahead of Tuesday’s game vs. Guardians
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- Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. returned Tuesday after missing three games.
- Jonathan India activated from injured list; serves as Royals designated hitter.
- Veteran starter Michael Wacha placed on concussion list after off-field accident.
The Kansas City Royals got their superstar back in the lineup Tuesday night against the Cleveland Guardians.
Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. returned after missing three games due to low back spasms. He was in his customary No. 2 spot in the batting order. The Royals had utilized Maikel Garcia at shortstop while Witt was sidelined.
The Royals ultimately lost 2-0. Witt went 1-for-4 in the game.
“Well, he woke up today feeling better,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said pregame. “I can’t say how much better, but he was confident in how he felt. We put a lot of trust in him telling us what he felt like and whether he could play. He did all of his pregame stuff early to make sure he was going to be good.”
Witt was able to hit, throw and run prior to the game. The Royals noted there aren’t any limitations for Witt as he returns to the lineup.
This season, Witt has sparked the Royals’ offense. He is hitting .294 with 21 home runs, 77 RBIs and 34 stolen bases in 139 games. He also has 160 hits and owns an .855 OPS (on-base plus slugging).
“He said he’s probably played with worse than what he’s playing with today,” Quatraro said.
Additionally, the Royals reinstated second baseman Jonathan India from the 10-day injured list after he dealt with a left wrist sprain. India returned to baseball activities in recent days after taking part in infield defense and batting practice.
India, who went 2-for-3, served as the Royals’ designated hitter Tuesday at Progressive Field. His return coincides with veteran starter Michael Wacha landing on the seven-day concussion injured list after an off-field accident.
“We were fairly confident,” Quatraro said in regard to India’s return. “He had been battling that for six weeks — two months. Getting the injection and calming things down, the progression went just like (Royals head athletic trainer Kyle Turner) and (major league rehab coordinator Jeff) Blum had drawn it up.”
The Royals welcomed both players back after nearly getting no-hit against the Guardians on Monday night. The club scored two late runs but suffered a 10-2 loss in the series opener.
Here’s the complete Royals lineup from Tuesday:
3B: Maikel Garcia
SS: Bobby Witt Jr.
1B: Vinnie Pasquantino
C: Salvador Perez
LF: Randal Grichuk
RF: Jac Caglianone
DH: Jonathan India
2B: Nick Loftin
CF: Kyle Isbel
SP: Noah Cameron
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 5:50 PM with the headline "Bobby Witt Jr. returns to Royals’ lineup ahead of Tuesday’s game vs. Guardians."
