Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday, retroactive to Tuesday, marking the first IL stint of his five-year career. The move comes as Witt deals with lower back tightness.

Witt sat out Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres before exiting Monday's contest against the San Francisco Giants due to the injury. He did not play Tuesday. The Royals called up infielder Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Omaha and transferred right-hander Stephen Kolek to the 60-day injured list as corresponding roster moves.

Witt described the extent of the issue to reporters.

"It's just kind of one of those things where the type of way I play, I couldn't be myself out there," said Witt. "And I couldn't even be 50% of myself."

Witt, 26, is batting .279 with 13 home runs, 39 RBIs and a league-leading 30 stolen bases this season. He played in his third consecutive All-Star Game earlier this month, scoring during the American League's four-run win.

Velazquez replaced Witt at shortstop for Wednesday's game against San Francisco. He last appeared in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023 before bouncing between several organizations' Triple-A affiliates. Kolek last pitched July 2 and is dealing with a right flexor strain after exiting a rehab start Saturday.