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Royals activate Bobby Witt Jr. from injured list after back injury

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 3:08 AM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Royals activate Bobby Witt Jr. from injured list after back injury

Summary

The Kansas City Royals activated All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list on August 4, after he missed two weeks due to back tightness. Royals manager Matt Quatraro praised Witt's efforts to return, stating the team is comfortable with his readiness for play. The three-time All-Star leads the American League with 30 stolen bases, batting.279 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 94 games. Witt was set to play against the Minnesota Twins, though the team may manage his workload in the following days. Additionally, right-handers Luinder Avila and Stephen Kolek will undergo Tommy John surgeries this week, prompting several roster moves including the recall of Jose Cuas from Triple-A Omaha.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Bobby Witt Jr. activated after two weeks with back tightness.
•Royals face Minnesota Twins on August 4.
•Witt leads AL with 30 stolen bases this season.
•Royals to manage Witt's workload moving forward.
•Luinder Avila and Stephen Kolek to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Latest Updates

3:08 AMYahoo Sports — Bobby Witt Jr. returns from back injury and leads Royals to 8-2 win over Twins
11:41 PMESPN MLB — Witt back for Royals after 2-week injury absence
10:11 PMYahoo Sports — Royals activate All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. after he missed 2 weeks with back tightness

What they're saying

"
The Kansas City Royals activated All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. from the injured list on Tuesday after he missed two weeks with back tightness. “He’s done a great job working to get back, communicating with the medical department and getting himself in a good spot that we feel comfortable,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before Tuesday night's game against Minnesota. A three-time All-Star, Witt leads the American League with 30 stolen bases.
— Yahoo Sports

"
Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and two RBIs in his return to the lineup Tuesday night, leading the Kansas City Royals to an 8-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Witt, who missed two weeks with back tightness, went 3 for 5 with a two-run double and scored twice. Randy Dobnak (2-0) allowed one run and three hits in five innings against his former team to help the Royals stop a four-game losing streak.
— Yahoo Sports