Kansas City Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was forced out of Wednesday’s spring training game against the Seattle Mariners after being hit by a pitch on the forearm in the fifth inning.
Last season, the Royals made the playoffs for the first time since winning the World Series in 2015. They even won their first round playoff series against the Baltimore Orioles. Expectations for the team are high heading into 2025, with some even believing an AL Central title could be on the table.
Much of the Royals’ success in 2024 came from Witt. He led the team in basically every category you can think of en route to a second-place finish in American League MVP voting.
Bobby Witt Jr. injury update
While trailing 5-1 with two outs and no one on in the top of the fifth inning, Witt was hit in the forearm by a 95.9 mph sinker from Seattle’s Andrés Muñoz.
Witt was promptly replaced on the basepaths by Tyler Tolbert, who would end up scoring after stealing second base and coming home on a Vinnie Pasquantino double.
The Royals said Witt would ‘undergo further evaluation.’ Later Wednesday, they said Witt ‘has a left forearm contusion. X-rays are negative for a fracture. He will be reevaluated in the morning.’
Bobby Witt Jr. stats
Heading into Wednesday’s action, Witt had played in 10 spring training games, posting a .296 batting average and .996 OPS, with two home runs and four RBI.
Witt was one of the best players in baseball during the 2024 regular season, posting career highs in batting average (.332 – led AL), OPS (.977), home runs (32), RBI (109), hits (211), doubles (45) and runs (125). Witt was honored with his first All-Star selection, as well as his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards.
How long will Bobby Witt Jr. be out?
It is unclear at this point. The Royals said Witt would be reevaluated Thursday morning.
Opening day for the Royals is scheduled for Thursday, March 27 at 3:10 p.m. local time, a home game against the Cleveland Guardians.
This story has been updated with new information.