Bobby Witt Jr. Exits Game with Knee Discomfort Following Sliding Stop

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had to leave Thursday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals due to discomfort in his right knee, which he sustained while making a sliding play in the field.

During the fourth inning, with the bases loaded, Witt hit the ground to block an RBI single from Jordan Walker, preventing the ball from reaching the outfield. After being evaluated by the Royals' medical team, he continued to play for the remainder of the inning. However, when it came time for him to lead off the bottom of the fourth, Tyler Tolbert was brought in to pinch-hit for him.

The Royals later confirmed that Witt's exit was a result of knee discomfort. Prior to his departure, the two-time All-Star had an impressive performance, going 2 for 2 with a solo home run in the first inning and an RBI single in the second, adding another run to his tally.

This season, Witt boasts a .294 batting average, a .368 on-base percentage, along with 10 home runs, 32 RBIs, and an MLB-leading 28 stolen bases across 76 games.

The Royals will be keeping a close eye on Witt's condition as they navigate the rest of the season.