Kansas City Royals

Bobby Witt Jr.

SS

Witt went through a full pregame workout Monday and the Royals remain optimistic he can avoid the injured list, but he will miss a fourth straight start with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. Tyler Tolbert is handling shortstop for Kansas City on Tuesday.

Maikel Garcia

3B

The 26-year-old returned to the lineup the past two days after missing three games due to left hand soreness, but he apparently aggravated the injury and will now require a stint on the injured list. Garcia will be eligible to be reinstated in early July, though it's unclear how long he's expected to be sidelined. Nick Loftin has started the past five games at the hot corner -- Garcia filled in for Bobby Witt (knee) at shortstops Sunday and Monday -- and should continue to operate as Kansas City's primary third baseman while Garcia is on the shelf.

Nick Mears

RP

Mears appeared to be progressing well in rehab from a right shoulder impingement, but he came out of Tuesday's bullpen session with the same soreness and pinching feeling that landed him on the injured list. The right-hander underwent further evaluation Thursday, and while an updated outlook remains undisclosed, the setback has almost certainly pushed back his timeline for both a rehab assignment and return to the big leagues. Before hitting the shelf May 29, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Kris Bubic

SP

Working back from left elbow soreness, Bubic suffered a setback after experiencing shoulder discomfort following a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on June 9. The southpaw underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage to either his elbow or shoulder, an encouraging development that has allowed him to resume building back up. Having now completed a bullpen session, the 28-year-old could restart his rehab assignment soon, provided he doesn't experience any renewed discomfort. Before being shelved, Bubic posted a 3-2 record with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 51:26 K:BB across 50.1 innings (nine starts).

Cole Ragans

SP

The 28-year-old has been on the shelf due to an elbow impingement since early May and was transferred to the 60-day IL last week after suffering a setback. Ragans can safely be ruled out for the near future, and his availability for the rest of the season is also in question as he continues to be evaluated.