Maikel Garcia Leaves Game With Hamstring Injury Immediately After IL Return

On Thursday, Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia left the game with a hamstring injury during the first inning of their match against the Athletics. The incident occurred immediately after Garcia hit a double in the first inning, following a solo home run by Bobby Witt Jr. Garcia was attempting to score after Salvador Perez hit a ball off shortstop Darell Hernaiz's glove when he pulled up and reached towards his left hamstring, not attempting to return to the bag.

He was then removed from the game, making way for outfielder John Rave as Nick Loftin moved to third base. Garcia, 26, has had limited field time this season due to a left hand muscle strain that kept him out from late June until Monday, when he was reactivated by the Royals. Despite being an All-Star the previous season and winning the MVP at the 2025 World Baseball Classic, Garcia has not been performing at his usual level, with a .709 OPS on the year, three home runs, and 32 RBIs through 73 games.

He also tried to play through his muscular injury earlier in the year. If the severity of his hamstring injury is significant, Garcia could be sidelined for the entire season. The Royals are currently at the bottom of the AL Central, 13 games behind first place, so rushing Garcia back this season is not a priority. Veterans Josh Rojas and Nick Loftin will handle the bulk of the third-baseman duties while Garcia is on the injured list.

Loftin, who has played 90 games at third base this season, is likely to become the primary replacement for Garcia. Loftin has a .684 OPS with five home runs and 35 RBIs in 90 games.