Kansas City Royals infielder Jonathan India left Friday's spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Kansas City Royals have continued to work through the final stretch of spring training evaluating their roster while they prepare for the upcoming regular season. While results in exhibition games often do not carry much weight, Friday night’s matchup still brought a troubling moment for the team.
Facing the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City ended up losing by a final score of 11-5, but the night began on a positive note for infielder Jonathan India. Starting at second base and batting sixth in the lineup, India delivered early. In the top of the second inning, he lined a ground-rule double and later came around to score, continuing what has been a strong stretch of performances for him this spring.
However, shortly after that plate appearance, India was removed from the game and replaced by Preston Wilson.
While it is common during spring training for starters to exit early in order to rest and allow younger players additional opportunities, this particular change raised questions as India appeared to be in discomfort rounding the bases. Moments later, the club provided an update on his status. “INF Jonathan India exited tonight’s game with right groin tightness,” the Royals announced on X.
The update clarified that the move was not part of a routine spring substitution but rather a precaution related to discomfort India felt during the game. With only a limited number of exhibition games remaining before Opening Day, the team will likely monitor the situation closely to ensure the veteran infielder remains healthy heading into the regular season.
India is preparing for his second full season in Kansas City after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds last winter in a trade that sent right‑handed starter Brady Singer the other direction. At the time, the deal was viewed as a move that could strengthen the Royals lineup with a proven on‑base presence near the top of the order.
So far, however, the results have been disappointing. During the 2025 season, India struggled to produce at the level Kansas City hoped for. Across 136 games, he posted a .233 batting average, .323 on‑base percentage and .669 OPS, along with nine home runs and 45 RBIs. Each of those marks represented career lows.
The Royals had hoped to see more of the version of India that captured National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 with Cincinnati. Still, there have been encouraging signs this spring. Through 10 games, the 29‑year‑old has posted a .333 batting average, .538 on‑base percentage and 1.205 OPS with one home run and three RBIs.
If India can carry that form into the regular season and remain healthy, he could play a key role in lengthening Kansas City’s lineup and helping the club push toward postseason contention.