Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. leaves game with knee discomfort after making sliding play in the field

By: The Associated Press Posted: 8:34 PM CDT Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. left the Royals’ game with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night with right knee discomfort after making a sliding play in the field.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

With the bases loaded in the fourth inning, Witt went to his knees to prevent Jordan Walker’s RBI single from getting to the outfield. Witt was checked out by Royals staffers before remaining in the game for the rest of that half inning.

But he was scheduled to lead off the bottom of the fourth, and the Royals instead had Tyler Tolbert pinch-hit for him. The Royals announced later that Witt’s departure was due to knee discomfort.

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Before his departure, Witt had gone 2 for 2 with a solo homer in the first inning and an RBI single in the second. Witt also scored his second run of the night in the second inning.

The two-time All-Star is batting .294 with a .368 on-base percentage, 10 homers, 32 RBIs and an MLB-leading 28 steals in 76 games this season.