Kansas City Royals third baseman Nick Loftin was removed from Saturday's game in Chicago against the White Sox after taking a rocket throw to the groin from a teammate.
It happened at a crucial moment in the game, which was tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the ninth inning. After two singles put White Sox runners on first and second with nobody out, batter Braden Montgomery dropped a bunt towards third base. Royals reliever Daniel Lynch IV fielded it as Loftin covered third base in an attempt to get the lead runner. Lynch fired the ball to third base which apparently caught Loftin off-guard. Despite a last minute adjustment, Loftin missed the ball and it hit him right below the belt, leaving him in obvious pain.
🚨 YOU MAY NOT WANT TO SEE THIS...#Royals Nick Loftin just took a rocket throw from his own pitcher directly to the nuts.
— Talkin' Twins (@TalkinTwins) June 27, 2026
On a bunt down the third-base line, Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch IV fired an absolute LASER to third that drilled Loftin flush between the legs.
Loftin… pic.twitter.com/Ocgo4VnErY
Montgomery was given credit for a single. Loftin was down for several minutes and had to leave the game, forcing Royals manager Matt Quatraro to make some quick decisions. Loftin was replaced by Josh Rojas, who moved over from second after just coming into the game as a defensive replacement. Isaac Collins moved from left field to second base, and Kameron Misner came off the bench to play left field. In addition, Quatraro decided to remove Lynch from the game, replacing him with John Schreiber.
This is certainly not the first case of "friendly fire" we have seen in MLB. We have seen other accidental throws, kicks, and tags to the midsection over the years. Regardless of how it happens, it is always painful to watch.
Unfortunately, all the moves were for naught as Schreiber gave up a walk-off single to Jacob Gonzalez, and the White Sox came away with the 2-1 victory. It was the fourth straight loss for the Royals.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
