Injury sidelines Mark Canha as Royals call up Drew Waters
- Mark Canha was injured while playing against the Minnesota Twins on April 9, 2025, after a collision with the wall.
- Drew Waters, who excelled in Triple-A with a .370 average, was called up to replace Canha on the roster.
- Both the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners are adjusting their line-ups due to player injuries, highlighting the impact on team strategy.
In Kansas City, Missouri, during a game on April 9, 2025, Mark Canha, an outfielder for the Kansas City Royals, sustained a left abductor strain after colliding with the wall in left center. Following the injury, he remained in the game for a short period before requesting to be substituted. The Royals manager, Matt Quatraro, expressed optimism regarding Canha’s condition, indicating it would likely be a mild strain with a stint on the injured list not exceeding 10 days. The team moved quickly to fill the roster spot, calling up outfielder Drew Waters from Triple-A Omaha. Drew Waters had been performing exceptionally well in the minor leagues, batting .370 and earning the title of International League player of the week for a cycle he achieved from March 31 to April 6, making this promotion timely given Canha's unfortunate circumstance. Waters is eager to prove himself at the major league level, having limited appearances previously but hoping to solidify his place on the roster with this opportunity. He acknowledged the challenges faced in minor league games while maintaining focus on each at-bat. Meanwhile, in Seattle, on the same day, the Mariners placed second baseman Ryan Bliss on the 10-day injured list due to a left biceps tear. Bliss had been playing regularly, starting all 11 games for the Mariners, but suffered the injury during a swing in their recent 12-inning game against the Houston Astros. His statistics up until that point were modest, with a batting average of .200, one home run, and three RBIs. To compensate for his absence, Seattle recalled infielder Leo Rivas and pitcher Casey Lawrence from Triple-A Tacoma. The injury concerns for both teams highlight the fragile nature of player health in baseball, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change for athletes and teams alike. The impacts of these injuries extend beyond personal and individual performances; they force teams to adapt their strategies, call up players from the minors, and shift game dynamics. This showcases the ongoing challenges that teams must navigate throughout the season as they strive for success while managing their players' health.