The Kansas City Royals have been grappling with a series of injuries recently, severely affecting their roster depth and performance. After placing Cole Ragans on the injured list due to a rotator cuff problem in early June, the team also lost key players, including infielder Michael Massey with an ankle injury and pitchers Michael Lorenzen, Kris Bubic, and Daniel Lynch IV with various arm ailments. These setbacks have continued to mount in a tense 24-hour period, with Jonathan India and Steven Cruz both forced to exit Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays, while Massey encountered another challenge during his rehabilitation.

Jonathan India Exits After Being Hit by Pitch, Cruz Leaves with Shoulder Issue

During the Royals’ matchup in Toronto, Jonathan India had to leave the game early after suffering an injury in his second at-bat. He was struck on the left arm by a pitch in the top of the third inning and later removed from the contest during the fifth inning. Fortunately, X-rays performed after the game revealed no fractures, as reported by MLB.com’s Anne Rogers, who confirmed India was dealing with a contusion from the impact.

2B Jonathan India’s X-rays on his left wrist/forearm were negative. Dealing with a contusion after being hit by the pitch.RHP Steven Cruz felt “a little pinching” in his shoulder, manager Matt Quatraro said, and will be evaluated further to see what he’s dealing with.— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) August 2, 2025

Despite the injury, India is expected to remain a presence in the lineup, as he was slated to play in Sunday’s decisive game against Toronto. The Royals appear to be managing his condition cautiously, ensuring he avoids further harm while maintaining his role as a key leadoff hitter.

The situation worsened in the seventh inning when reliever Steven Cruz left the game following discomfort in his right shoulder. Cruz, who had just allowed a walk and a hit, was removed due to the pain, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming games. Manager Matt Quatraro revealed Cruz experienced “a little pinching” sensation and would undergo further evaluations to determine the injury’s extent. Nevertheless, the severity of Cruz’s condition led the Royals to place him on the 15-day injured list just before Sunday’s game.

Cruz has been a vital component of the bullpen this season. Originally considered depth for Triple-A, he has emerged as a reliable reliever, posting a 3.61 ERA across 42.1 innings in 43 appearances. His WHIP stands at 1.18, while he has limited opponents to a .205 batting average, underscoring his important role in the Royals’ pitching staff.

On a positive note, the team announced the corresponding activation of Daniel Lynch IV from the injured list, offering some relief to the depleted pitching rotation amid these setbacks.

Michael Massey’s Recovery Hampered by New Complications

Infielder Michael Massey has endured a frustrating season, hindered by a left ankle sprain that sidelined him in early June. His efforts to return to the Royals’ lineup through multiple rehab assignments have been repeatedly thwarted by additional health problems. Initially, a wrist injury and illness forced the team to halt his rehab in July. The latest update confirms further difficulty, as Massey was recently pulled from his rehab stint due to a flare-up of back pain.

Massey’s back flared up on him again a couple of days ago.— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers)

Manager Matt Quatraro indicated uncertainty about the severity of Massey’s back issue, noting that the timeline for his recovery remains unclear.

“Some days, it just flips, and he’s fine to go and power through it like he’s done most of his career,”

Quatraro said.

“And other times, it takes a little bit longer.”

Massey’s performance this season has struggled significantly, reflected in a batting line of .202/.221/.258 with a 25 wRC+ and a negative 1.1 fWAR over 56 games. While his return would bolster the Royals’ infield depth, team dynamics may limit his role. With Jonathan India resuming second base duties and the recent additions of Randal Grichuk and Mike Yastrzemski strengthening the corner outfield positions—the secondary spots Massey can cover—he may find himself in a reduced capacity if reactivated.

Impact of Injuries on Royals’ Season Outlook

The recent string of injuries to Jonathan India, Steven Cruz, and Michael Massey adds to the growing list of Royals players sidelined, presenting a challenging situation for the team. India’s contusion, while non-fractured, still raises concerns about his ability to maintain consistent play. Cruz’s right shoulder issue removes one of the bullpen’s key arms and forces the Royals to rely on less experienced pitchers in critical late-game situations.

Massey’s ongoing rehab setbacks further weaken the infield depth at a time when the Royals face a demanding stretch of games. These developments could hinder the club’s efforts to stay competitive in a tough division. The activation of Daniel Lynch IV provides some short-term pitching reinforcement but does not fully offset the barrage of injuries impacting the squad.

Going forward, the Royals will need to closely monitor each player’s progress to adjust their roster and rotations accordingly. Continued injury troubles could affect their playoff hopes and overall performance for the remainder of the season.