Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr out with back tightness

Kansas City Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is sidelined with lower back tightness, missing his second game in three days and casting uncertainty over his immediate availability for the struggling club. Witt was held out of the lineup for Tuesday night's game against the San Francisco Giants after exiting Monday's series opener in the fifth inning when the injury flared up.

The 26-year-old star had started Monday's game after sitting out Sunday's finale against the San Diego Padres with the same complaint. He recorded two plate appearances, striking out in the first inning and walking in the third, before being replaced defensively by Nick Loftin in the top of the fifth inning. Royals manager Matt Quatraro described the issue as a back spasm that locked up during Monday's game, leading to Witt's removal. The manager said Witt was still feeling stiff on Tuesday.

Witt is considered day-to-day, but the team is taking a cautious approach. Quatraro indicated the priority is to get the spasm to relax before determining if Witt can play through the discomfort or if a longer recovery period is needed. The club is expected to provide further updates after additional evaluation...