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A Kansas City Royals leader returned to the lineup<\/a> for Monday night\u2019s series- and homestand-opening game against the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium.<\/p>\n Superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. rejoined the Royals\u2019 batting order after missing Sunday\u2019s game due to back stiffness<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Royals delayed posting the starting lineup late Monday afternoon as Witt underwent some pre-game testing with the training staff. Witt completed a series of drills and felt comfortable he\u2019d be able to hit and field his shortstop position at game speed.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a much better day than we could\u2019ve hoped for,\u201d Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. \u201cHe came in, did his prep work, moved around and felt good.<\/p>\n \u201cKT (Royals head athletic trainer Kyle Turner) took him through some throwing and agility stuff. He felt good and then he went to hit and felt better than he even did getting started. So we are really encouraged and there is no hesitation there.\u201d<\/p>\n Witt initially felt his back stiffen up Saturday morning. He was able to play later that night against the Twins in Minneapolis, but the Royals took a cautious approach Sunday.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Witt was available off the bench for the series finale at Target Field but did not play.<\/p>\n \u201cI think there is always an opportunity to use him as a pinch-hitter,\u201d Quatraro said, \u201cbut we were going to stay away from him yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Witt has powered the Royals\u2019 offense this season. He is hitting .284 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He leads the majors with 37 doubles while logging 30 stolen bases and 71 runs scored in 116 games.<\/p>\n Witt was to bat second in Monday\u2019s lineup against the Nationals. The Royals recently moved new acquisition Mike Yastrzemski into the leadoff spot<\/a>, with former leadoff man Jonathan India shifting down in the order.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Royals could\u2019ve used Witt\u2019s bat on Sunday. KC finished 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left 15 men on base against the Twins. With the loss, the Royals finished their nine-game road trip under .500 (4-5).<\/p>\n