‘He’s a warrior.’ Why KC Royals’ new leadoff man drew praise in return to lineup
Kansas City Royals infielder Jonathan India didn’t miss a beat following a scary incident that occurred late in Sunday’s home game against Cleveland.
India was back in the Royals’ lineup, handling business as usual in Milwaukee on Monday.
India finished 3-for-5 as the leadoff hitter in the opening game of KC’s first road trip of the 2025 MLB season, driving in two runs as the Royals beat the Brewers 11-1 at American Family Field.
Acquired in an offseason trade with the Cincinnati Reds, India also gained immense respect from his new Kansas City teammates.
“It’s something that I have never seen in my career,” Royals captain Salvador Perez said. “I said that on TV earlier: He is one of the toughest guys I have ever met in my life.
“Get hit in the head with a 99 to 100 mph fastball and play. Not just play, but to help your team to win the way he played, you know, that’s just amazing. He got a lot of respect from me.”
India was hit in the batting helmet by a fastball as he stood in at the plate during the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Guardians. Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase’s 98.9 mph cutter collided with the ear flap on India’s helmet and grazed his face.
The Royals immediately took India out of the game. He underwent further testing and a medical evaluation.
Before Monday’s game, India had said he’d felt fine after getting hit. After the Royals’ series-opening victory, he shed more light on what had transpired Sunday.
“I’ve been hit in the head before,” he said. “So yeah, it’s just a part of baseball. Pitchers, when they throw high and in like that, you know, I think they should get reprimanded for that. But it’s part of baseball, I guess, and that’s what happened.”
Royals manager Matt Quatraro noted that India had been adamant about playing on Monday. India started at third base and faced Brewers starter Elvin Rodriguez atop the Royals’ batting order.
“We’re going to be cautious if, you know, something pops up and he has a headache or whatever,” Quatraro said. “He’s had no concussion symptoms and nothing is broken. And I think with a guy like that who is ultra competitive, if he is that adamant about being in there, that sends a real good message to our team about what it takes to get out here and be a championship-caliber player.”
India made his Royals debut on opening day. He was acquired from the Reds in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brady Singer. The Royals value India’s on-base capabilities. He had recorded three hits, two runs and two walks in 11 at-bats prior to Monday’s game.
Multiple Royals expressed concern for India after he was beaned in Sunday’s series finale.
First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino was visibly frustrated while veteran pitcher Michael Wacha, who started the game for KC, just hoped India would be alright.
“You hate seeing that,” Wacha said. “It’s nothing you ever want to see on a baseball field with your guys, with another team.”
Clase, who said he did not hit India on purpose, texted Royals captain Salvador Perez to convey his apologies to India.
India confirmed that Clase sent the message. India also admitted he was upset right after the incident but has now moved on from what happened in Sunday’s game.
“I was fine and the bottom of my eye felt fine,” he said. “And yeah, I’m a gamer and I want to play every day. That’s who I am.”
Quatraro said he heard from the Guardians’ coaching staff, as well. The clubs were vying for the American League Central title last season — it eventually went to Cleveland — and the rivalry remains a healthy one.
“I don’t think it was intentional,” Quatraro said of Clase hitting India. “I don’t know any reason that it would be. I don’t think they would’ve had any sort of history or I don’t think anything would’ve happened in those three games that would’ve led to them needing to feel like they needed to throw at us.”
For his part, India continues to endear himself to the Royals. His toughness could help fuel this year’s push for a return to, and deeper run in, the MLB postsesaon.
“He’s a warrior,” infielder Maikel Garcia said. “He received a fastball in the face yesterday, and to come today and play like he played today, like, it’s unbelievable.”
This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 1:30 PM.
