A Kansas City Royals leader returned to the lineup for Monday night’s series- and homestand-opening game against the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium. Superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. rejoined the Royals’ batting order after missing Sunday’s game due to back stiffness.

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.

One bright spot, though, has been 25-year-old shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who unfortunately missed the Royals’ Sunday loss against the Minnesota Twins after being left out of the starting lineup due to a stiff back.