The Cubs easily won Sunday's game against the White Sox, as Kyle Hendricks pitched another gem and Kyle Schwarber ruined Hawk's special day. Yet, there was one thing that isn't exactly what you want to see if you're a Cubs fan.
It's no time to panic, but it certainly is something that will raise your eyebrow, as Kris Bryant wasn't in the lineup, held out because of a fatigued shoulder. Yes, the same shoulder that has already made Bryant go on the DL twice this year, the latest stint lasting for more than a month.
But at this point Joe Maddon is saying it was simply a precautionary move.
Here's more from Bryant, who said he just needed a day off after playing in every game since coming off the DL on Sept. 1. That was after not playing since the middle of July.
Via
NBC Sports Chicago.
"I'm still kinda in the early stages — I've had 60-something at-bats, which is like a spring training load, I think," Bryant said. "I wouldn't say I'm feeling something — I was just tired from playing."
"I haven't had any pain or any of that, which is great," Bryant said. "I just gotta stay on top of my shoulder program and stuff like that, which we're doing, so that's good."
All right, fine. I'm not going to panic, yet.
We'll know if this is actually something to really worry about Monday night, when the Cubs start a four-game series against the Pirates at Wrigley Field. Bryant was adamant that he'd play Monday, so let's hope that does happen.
So far in September, Bryant's shown flashes of his usual great play, posting a .752 OPS, with a home run, six doubles and 10 runs scored. As you can tell, the power just hasn't been there since Bryant first went on the DL with the shoulder injury and he's struck out at a much higher pace during the past month, 27 times in 69 at-bats.
We're stating the obvious here though, as the Cubs lineup automatically gets a lot better with Bryant in it, even with the loss of slugging in his game.
So, no, not panicking about Bryant being out and you'd rather see him miss a game or two now than seeing him out again for the rest of the season.
UPDATE
OK, good, KB's back in the lineup.
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