Maikel Garcia -- Injury Report

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia was held out of Friday's starting lineup against the Los Angeles Angels due to right-elbow soreness from Wednesday's game against Baltimore. The 26-year-old is considered day-to-day and described the discomfort as similar to a cramp. The pain initially occurred while batting and intensified when throwing, prompting his removal from the game. Garcia has been undergoing treatment and ice therapy and stated he felt better enough to potentially pinch-hit or play defense off the bench. He expressed hope to start Saturday's game.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro indicated Garcia will skip pregame throwing drills but will take batting practice and ground ball work to evaluate his condition. Garcia wore a right forearm wrap during Friday's game. The team took a cautious approach, shifting their lineup with Nick Loftin taking over the leadoff spot and third base, while Royals star Vinnie Pasqualtino received a day off.

This season, Garcia is batting .265 with 2 home runs and 10 RBIs across 25 games, posting a .724 OPS with 14 runs scored. This is not Garcia's first elbow issue; he underwent a minor procedure last offseason to remove an elbow spur from his right elbow but remained healthy enough to play 160 games.

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia sustained an elbow injury during a recent game and will not play Friday night against the Los Angeles Angels. According to Anne Rogers, Garcia has responded well to treatment and is feeling better, making him a possible bench option for the contest. However, the Royals are expected to give him a full day off to aid his recovery. Garcia is hopeful he can return to the lineup on Saturday, provided there are no complications.

With Garcia sidelined, Nick Loftin will start at third base and bat leadoff for Kansas City. Garcia, 26, has been one of the Royals' more productive players this season, posting a .265/.336/.388 slash line with 2 home runs and 6 doubles. The Royals (8-17) currently sit in last place in the AL Central and have underperformed expectations heading into 2026, making Garcia's availability crucial to their efforts to turn the season around.

The Royals will host the Angels (12-14) Friday night at 7:40 PM EST. Kansas City will start Noah Cameron (1-1, 5.40 ERA), while the Angels will counter with Yusei Kikuchi (0-2, 5.63 ERA).

Maikel Garcia is back in the Kansas City Royals' lineup for Tuesday's game against the Athletics after a brief absence. Garcia did not start in the three games from Friday through Sunday due to right elbow cramps. However, he demonstrated his readiness by appearing as a pinch hitter on Sunday, recording two plate appearances in which he drew a walk and scored a run. With the elbow issue appearing resolved, Garcia will resume his starting role at third base and will bat leadoff in Tuesday's matchup.