NEWSLETTER
Could I cram a bit more information into the headline?
That’s pretty much the size of things on Kris Bryant, who rolled his ankle running the bases in the third inning yesterday and was removed from the game for further evaluation.
According to multiple reports (Muskat, Sharma, Sharma 2, Sullivan) the MRI on Bryant’s ankle confirmed the initial diagnosis of a mild sprain, and he’s going to sit for a bit. It could be just today, but it also could be the whole weekend. A stint on the disabled list is not expected for the time being. I’m not going to be Debbie Downer on that part, but I will only caution you that we have seen guys sit for a few days before only for a decision later to be made that a backdated DL stint is necessary – indeed, that’s exactly what happened with Miguel Montero this week.[adinserter block=”1″]
That said, this is of course a good outcome. A moderate (Grade 2) ankle sprain would have had Bryant out for upwards of a month, so him missing a few days – or even a week – is a much lesser evil. Javier Baez and Tommy La Stella will probably see time at third base in Bryant’s absence (Baez is in there today), and the Cubs are fortunate to have solid options. Nobody can replace Bryant, of course, but the Cubs are solid there. With the Braves in town for the weekend, hopefully the Cubs won’t be too much worse for the wear, now being without Bryant and Montero (and already without Kyle Schwarber).
That quality depth we discussed for months in the offseason is certainly coming in handy here in the early going.[adinserter block=”2″]
