The Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Wednesday, but their star shortstop, Bobby Witt Jr., did not take the field. The 25-year-old was rested as a precaution following a minor knee concern from the previous night, highlighting the team’s cautious approach amid a critical stretch of the season.

Details Surrounding Witt’s Knee Issue

Bobby Witt Jr.’s trouble began Tuesday during a plate appearance when his leg appeared to give out unexpectedly. Royals manager Matt Quatraro clarified the situation, describing Witt’s knee discomfort as “nothing serious.” Despite this reassurance, the decision to hold Witt out of the series finale at Wrigley Field was made to avoid aggravating the injury and ensure his availability moving forward.

Witt’s Impactful Performance This Season

Witt has been a standout figure for Kansas City in 2024, boasting a .288 batting average and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .827 across 102 games. He leads Major League Baseball with 33 doubles and has contributed 14 home runs, 56 runs batted in, and 27 stolen bases. These statistics mark him as one of the league’s most versatile and productive players.

Playoff Stakes and Kansas City’s Decision-Making

The Royals currently hold a 49-53 record, maintaining a position around the .500 mark. Though they trail their division leader by 11 games, Kansas City remains 4.5 games behind in the Wild Card race with the trade deadline fast approaching. This narrow margin places the franchise at a crossroads between aggressively pursuing a postseason berth or contemplating trades to reshape the roster.

Witt’s condition will play a crucial role in the Royals’ next moves. The team’s choice to rest him indicates a preference toward preserving his health for the final stretch, potentially impacting whether they push hard for the playoffs or adjust strategies in response to his recovery timeline.

“The shortstop experienced some discomfort but it’s nothing serious.”

—Matt Quatraro, Royals Manager