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Bobby Witt Jr. Out Friday, 10th HR Sets Royals Record

6/20/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Witt Misses Game

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. will miss Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with a Grade 1 MCL sprain.
Manager Matt Quatraro said the sprain did not tear ligaments, needs no surgery and will be re-evaluated Sunday.
Witt’s 10th home run Thursday made him the first Royal with at least 10 homers in each of his first five seasons.

Summary

Royals Injury List

Kansas faces a mounting injury list that limits position players and pitchers.
Tyler Tolbert pinch-hit for Witt after Witt left with knee discomfort.
Vinnie Pasquantino, Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India are out with right-hand, plantar-fasciitis and left-shoulder injuries.
Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic are on injured list with left-elbow problems.
Maikel Garcia is day-to-day with a left-hand issue as Seth Lugo will start Friday after a June 10 injury.

Summary

Stadiums Launch Snacks

MLB stadiums have launched snack items and souvenir merchandise that went viral on social media.
The trend features specialty tacos, gourmet popcorn and limited-edition team-branded candy.
Shortstop Wyatt Witt is on an 11-year, $288 million contract with an opt-out window from 2031 to 2034.
Witt’s 4.2 Wins Above Replacement ties him for the American League lead.
The Royals entered the June 19 game with a 31-45 record, fourth in the AL Central.

History

Historical Context

After the Cubs promoted Jim Hendry to GM in July 2002 and hired Dusty Baker, the club struggled, a pattern that resurfaced in 2009 when it finished 83-78 yet fielded its Opening-Day lineup only three times all season, highlighting a persistent injury-plagued roster that also sidelined Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramírez.

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Witt Misses Game

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. will miss Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with a Grade 1 MCL sprain.
Manager Matt Quatraro said the sprain did not tear ligaments, needs no surgery and will be re-evaluated Sunday.
Witt’s 10th home run Thursday made him the first Royal with at least 10 homers in each of his first five seasons.

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