Kansas City Royals Superstar Set to Rejoin Lineup Following Back Injury

Bobby Witt Jr. got the day off Sunday due to back stiffness, but the Kansas City Royals shortstop will be back on the field for Monday's series opener against the Washington Nationals.

Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning with teammates at Rogers Centre. | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Bobby Witt Jr. will start at shortstop and bat second for the Kansas City Royals against the Washington Nationals on Monday, per the club's official lineup card.

Witt missed Sunday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins due to back stiffness. It marked just the second absence of the season for the 25-year-old infielder, with his other coming as a result of knee discomfort on July 23.

Kansas City is 1-1 when Witt doesn't play, compared to their 57-59 record when he is active.

Witt made his second consecutive All-Star appearance earlier this summer and currently leads MLB with 37 doubles on the season. The reigning American League batting champion is hitting .284 with 17 home runs, 65 RBIs, 71 runs, 30 stolen bases, an .833 OPS and a 4.8 WAR through 116 games in 2025.

With Witt back in the lineup, Maikel Garcia has shifted back to third base and Adam Fraizer has returned to second. Jonathan India will be available off the bench with Randal Grichuk starting at designated hitter versus right-handed rookie Cade Cavalli.

First pitch from Kauffman Stadium is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET.

Opening up the 10-game homestand. pic.twitter.com/b2DEwoUI2t

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 11, 2025

Related MLB Stories

• COLLINS' WILD RUN: Isaac Collins did more than cap off a crazy comeback against the New York Mets on Sunday, extending one of the most dominant runs by a rookie in MLB history. CLICK HERE

• VERLANDER REACHES 3.5K: Justin Verlander has made a habit of racking up strikeouts across his 20-year MLB career, and the San Francisco Giants righty continued to do so against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. CLICK HERE

• BOONE BOOTED AGAIN: It didn't take Aaron Boone very long to get under umpire Derek Thomas' skin on Sunday, as the New York Yankees' skipper got tossed for arguing balls and strikes in the third inning. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.