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Royals Announce Bobby Witt Jr. News After Leaving Twins Game
© Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Royals (71–69) are in a tight playoff race for the final American League wild card spot, with superstar Bobby Witt Jr. once again leading the charge as the team battles for back-to-back postseason appearances.

Since his major-league debut in 2022, the 25-year-old shortstop has emerged as the face of the Royals franchise, collecting two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove Award, a Silver Slugger and a runner-up AL MVP finish last season.

Witt’s efforts were rewarded in the 2024 offseason when Kansas City signed him to the largest contract in franchise history—an 11-year, $288 million extension.

He’s once again been one of the league’s best players in 2025, posting a .295 batting average, .354 on-base percentage, .859 OPS, 21 home runs and 34 stolen bases across 138 games.

Bobby Witt Jr. Injury Update

During Friday’s series opener against the Minnesota Twins, Witt exited early in the top of the seventh inning.

Maikel Garcia shifted from third base to shortstop, and Nick Loftin entered the lineup in Witt’s place. As concerns mounted, the Royals announced that Witt had left the game due to low back spasms.

“Bobby Witt Jr. left today's game with low back spasms, the #Royals announce,” wrote MLB.com’s Anne Rogers.

Witt previously missed a few games in August with back tightness, but it’s unclear whether this is a new injury or a recurring issue.

Regardless, the Royals will severely miss Witt if he’s sidelined long-term, and his availability remains the team’s highest priority in the final month of the season.

Throughout his four-year tenure with Kansas City, Witt has already surpassed 100 home runs, 300 RBIs and 140 stolen bases—well on his way to becoming one of the greatest players the franchise has ever had.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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