The Kansas City Royals have placed their star shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr., on the 10-day injured list due to lower back tightness. This move comes as a bit of a surprise, given Witt's stellar performance this season and his potential MVP case. At 42-60, the Royals have the second-worst record in the American League and are headed into the trade deadline as sellers. Witt, a 26-year-old All-Star, has been a bright spot for the team, slashing .279/.350/.450 with 13 home runs and leading the American League in WAR. However, even a brief absence will throw a wrench into his MVP case, as he will have to make up ground on other candidates like Yordan Alvarez and Dillon Dingler.
The Royals have selected the contract of infielder Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Omaha to replace Witt on the roster. Velazquez, a 32-year-old, has 1500 major league innings at shortstop, but his bat has left plenty to be desired. He has posted an anemic .189/.244/.293 batting line in 275 big league games. The Royals have also transferred righty Stephen Kolek from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL, ending his season due to a flexor strain.
In my opinion, the Royals' decision to place Witt on the injured list is a bit of a head-scratcher. Given his stellar performance and MVP potential, I would have expected the team to do more to support him and ensure his health. The move also raises questions about the team's strategy and whether they are truly committed to winning. The Royals' record and their position as sellers at the trade deadline suggest that they are more focused on rebuilding than competing. However, the loss of Witt for even a short spell only reinforces that.
The Royals' decision to turn to a committee of players, including Tyler Tolbert, Nick Loftin, Josh Rojas, and Velazquez, to fill the void at shortstop is also interesting. While these players have experience at the position, it remains to be seen whether they can fill the shoes of Witt, who is widely regarded as one of the best shortstops in the game. The Royals will need to rely on their depth and hope that these players can step up and perform well.
Overall, the Royals' move to place Witt on the injured list is a reminder of the challenges facing the team as they try to rebuild and compete in the American League. While the move may be necessary, it also raises questions about the team's strategy and commitment to winning. Only time will tell whether the Royals can overcome these challenges and emerge as a competitive force in the league.
