Royals' Star Infielder Likely to Head Back to IL

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Royals' Star Infielder Likely to Head Back to IL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Sakuraba | Last updated Aug 20, 2026 8:26 PM ET

It’s been a frustrating season all around in Kansas City as the Royals face another year without October baseball. But it’s been especially maddening for star infielder Maikel Garcia, who recently returned from missing nearly two months of action.

On Thursday, Garcia exited in the first inning of the Royals’ game against the Athletics after he strained his left hamstring while rounding third base. Immediately following the game, manager Matt Quatraro said that Garcia will almost certainly be placed back on the IL on Friday. With just under six weeks left in the MLB season, the Royals have little incentive to rush Garcia back, especially after he’s already missed extended time due to other injuries.

This has not been Maikel’s season smh pulls up lame as he was about to score from 2nd on Salvy’s grounder.

Damn, damn, damn. pic.twitter.com/jpQX1EuSS8
— Drew Banks (@Drizzy_Dru29) August 20, 2026

Back in May, Garcia was sidelined for six games with a right hamstring strain, though he did not require an IL stint for that injury. In late June, Garcia did hit the IL for a strained muscle in his left-hand and only returned from that injury on August 17. Thursday was Garcia’s third game back in the lineup, and he is now facing an early end to the 2026 season.

The Royals committed to Garcia back in December when they inked him to a five-year, $57.5 million contract. He was a part of the Venezeluan squad that won this year’s World Baseball Classic tournament in March, and is coming off a 2025 campaign where he was an AL All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award for his play at third base.

#Royals manager Matt Quatraro said 3B Maikel Garcia is likely to go on the injured list tomorrow.

He strained his left hamstring in the first inning today.
— Jaylon T. Thompson (@jaylonthompson) August 20, 2026

In 2026, Garcia has only suited up in 72 games and has a slash line of .266/.321/.379, with three home runs, 32 RBI, and five stolen bases. Although he missed significant time with injuries, his overall stats are in line with his career averages. If Garcia is not able to return this season, look for infielder Nick Loftin to take over as the team’s primary third baseman in his absence.

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

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