Royals’ Jonathan India scratched from lineup. He was hurt by controversial slide
The Kansas City Royals made a late change to their starting lineup Sunday. The club scratched infielder Jonathan India from the batting order.
India was sidelined with right knee soreness. He is considered day-to-day after being spiked by St. Louis Cardinals star Willson Contreras in Saturday’s game.
“Just some knee soreness from the collision last night,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Probably could’ve fought through it but this was tentative enough that (we) didn’t want to risk something.”
In the second inning, Contreras slid hard into second base to break up a double play attempt. His foot collided with India’s knee. The Royals executed the inning-ending double play but India was writhing in pain.
The Royals checked on India as team captain Salvador Perez went to diffuse the situation by talking to Contreras. India slammed his glove as he entered the dugout, but he was able to stay in the game.
“I don’t think it was a dirty intention behind it,” Quatraro said. He got hit. Unfortunately, the way he fell, he got a little banged up.”
India was slated to start at second base on Sunday. However, the Royals moved Michael Massey into the spot. Massey hit eighth against Cardinals left-handed starter Matthew Liberatore. The Royals won 2-1 Sunday.
The controversial slide generated a lot of attention.
Royals broadcaster Rex Hudler, who played 13 years in the league, called the slide “bush league” during the live telecast. Many fans also took offense to the sequence.
India said he didn’t believe there was any ill-intent after Saturday’s game. Perez agreed.
“I think he was trying to apologize, but I was just worried about my knee in the moment,” India said. “But I think he was apologizing.”
This story was originally published May 18, 2025 at 1:01 PM.
