Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. exited in the fourth inning with right knee discomfort Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals in Kansas City.
Witt, who homered and delivered an RBI single in his first two at-bats, injured himself while fielding a grounder in the hole by St. Louis’ Jordan Walker in the top of the fourth. Witt needed time getting to his feet but finished the inning.
However, Tyler Tolbert pinch-hit for Witt to lead off the bottom of the frame. Witt, who’s batting .294 with 10 homers, has been dealing with knee soreness this season. He also exited early during a June 7 game against the Twins but was back in the lineup for the next game, following an off day. He’s played all 76 games this season.
Ravaged by injuries, the Royals are currently without Vinnie Pasquantino (right hand), Kyle Isbel (plantar fasciitis), Jonathan India (left shoulder), and pitchers Cole Ragans (left elbow) and Kris Bubic (left elbow). All-Star Maikel Garcia is day-to-day with a left hand issue, but veteran right-hander Seth Lugo is slated to start Friday for the first time since taking a line drive to the forehead on June 10.
