UPDATE: The Kansas City Royals have placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list following a head injury sustained during Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. This urgent development comes just before the Royals’ series finale at Wrigley Field.
Loftin was injured in the fifth inning of the Royals’ 6-0 loss, when he was struck in the head while tagging out Pete Crow-Armstrong. The concussion was classified as “very mild” by Royals manager Matt Quatraro, who confirmed the diagnosis after the game. Loftin is currently batting .216 with three home runs and 13 RBIs across 37 games this season.
In a swift response, the Royals have recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha. Melendez, who previously played in 16 games with Kansas City this season, was sent to Omaha after struggling with a batting average of just .085 earlier this year. He rebounded in the minors, hitting .252 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs in 72 games.
The Royals face a double challenge as shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker are both resting sore right knees. Witt aggravated his knee during an at-bat on Tuesday, while Tucker sustained his injury after fouling a pitch off his knee in the first inning. Both players were available to pinch hit during the game.
This news arrives as both teams are taking a break on Thursday, allowing All-Stars Witt and Tucker two days to recover before the next game. Fans will be watching closely to see how these injuries impact the Royals’ lineup moving forward.
With Loftin sidelined, the Royals will need Melendez to step up in the lineup as they continue their season. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
