WATCH: Bobby Witt Jr. robbed of the cycle after being hit by a pitch against Diamondbacks
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is having a season to remember in 2024. The emerging star was seemingly robbed of a place among the greats after a controversial incident during Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Bobby Witt Jr. was named American League Player of the Week on Monday after capping a phenomenal series against the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old had another remarkable game against the Snakes on Monday.
A day after Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez hit for the cycle, Witt Jr. was just a single away from also achieving the feat. However, the Royals star was hit by a pitch by Humberto Castellanos in the sixth inning, robbing him of the opportunity. Boos rang around Kauffman Stadium for the Diamondbacks pitcher as Witt Jr. made his way to first base.
Although Bobby Witt Jr. got two more opportunities to hit for the cycle, he flied out in the final two plate appearances of the night. He would've become the first Royals player to hit for the cycle in 34 years.
"Kansas City Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. just misses becoming the first Royals' player to hit for the cycle in 34 years since Hall of Famer George Brett on July 25, 1990. He goes 3B, 2B, HR and is then hit by a pitch and flies out in final two plate appearances," MLB insider Bob Nightengale noted.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo ejected after Bobby Witt Jr.'s hit-by-pitch
Tempers flared during the series opener as the Royals retaliated after Witt Jr. was hit by the pitch. John Schreiber hit Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno in the seventh inning.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo did not take the incident lightly as he rushed toward the umpires who had warned both teams after the second hit by a pitch in the game. Lovullo fumed at the incident and also exchanged heated words with Royals catcher Salvador Perez. The Diamondbacks manager was ejected from the game for his actions.
The Royals completed a comfortable come-from-behind 10-4 win in the series opener, courtesy of Witt Jr.'s three-RBI night, including a three-run home run.