The Kansas City Royals have placed star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. on the 10-day injured list due to lower back tightness, a setback for a team already struggling at the bottom of the American League. Witt, an All-Star and MVP contender, has been a key player for the Royals, but his absence will be felt, especially with the team's poor record and impending trade deadline as sellers. Witt's performance this season, while not his best, still showcases his elite talent with a .279/.350/.450 slash line, 13 home runs, and 30 stolen bases. His impact is significant, with FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference valuing him at nearly five wins above replacement.
The Royals' decision to place Witt on the injured list highlights the team's ongoing struggles and the need for a strong showing at the trade deadline. With a 42-60 record, the team is in a challenging position, and Witt's absence will only exacerbate their issues. The team's poor performance is further emphasized by the fact that they were already expected to be sellers at the trade deadline.
The Royals have selected infielder Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Omaha to fill Witt's spot on the roster. Velazquez, a 32-year-old with 1500 major league innings at shortstop, has struggled in recent years with the Angels and has a .189/.244/.293 batting line. His addition provides some depth at shortstop, but his anemic bat is a concern. Velazquez's performance in the minors, with a .270/.333/.370 slash line, suggests that he may not be a significant upgrade.
The move to place Stephen Kolek on the 60-day IL is a predictable one, given the nature of his flexor strain. Kolek, acquired from the Padres in a trade, has struggled with injuries and has a 4.13 ERA in 213 1/3 major league innings. His season is all but over, and the possibility of surgery looms, which would extend his recovery period. If he avoids surgery, he will be a depth option for the Royals in 2027.
The Royals' struggles and the impact of Witt's injury highlight the challenges faced by a team at the bottom of the league. With a poor record and a need to improve, the team's future remains uncertain, and the trade deadline will be a crucial moment in their season.
