The Kansas City Royals had star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. back in the lineup Monday for a homestand-opening clash with the Washington Nationals after Witt sat out Sunday with back stiffness.

The Royals also placed right-handed pitcher Hunter Harvey on the 15-day injured list with a right adductor strain while recalling right-hander Luinder Avila from Triple-A Omaha.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters that Witt was "much better than we could have hoped for" in the leadup to Monday's game.

Witt, 25, last played Saturday against the Minnesota Twins and only missed one game with his ailment. He's batting .284 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs through 116 games this year.

In 2024, he was the runner-up for American League Most Valuable Player after leading the majors with a .332 batting

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