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Chicago Cubs: Kris Bryant expected to miss second straight game on Saturday

By Dan Schmelzer

May 10, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs are expected to be without star slugger Kris Bryant for the second consecutive game on Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

It was a last second decision. Kris Bryant was in the Chicago Cubs‘ original lineup on Friday, hitting in his familiar two-hole and playing right field. However, after Kyle Schwarber grounded out to begin the game, Jon Jay stepped to the plate, not Bryant.

Joe Maddon decided to scratch Bryant from the lineup just prior to handing in his lineup card. Bryant is dealing with some sort of illness that forced him out of action on Friday. According to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, Bryant will miss Saturday’s matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals as well.

The Cubs were short-handed on Friday night and will likely be dealing with the same issue on Saturday. Jay stepped in the lineup to replace Bryant but left the game after one inning with spasms. Maddon is calling Jay’s availability day-to-day.

Shortstop Addison Russell is also dealing with an issue, as he has not started the last two games with a right shoulder injury. Russell was able to pinch-hit in the eighth inning on Friday but he does not seem likely to play defense over the weekend.

Without Bryant, Russell and perhaps Jay, the Cubs are going to be extremely short-handed with position players. Guys like Jeimer Candelario and Tommy La Stella are going to have to step up and pick up the slack. Also, do not be surprised if we see a Jake Arrieta pinch-hit appearance at some point in the game on Saturday.

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Losing Bryant in the lineup is obviously a huge blow. The reigning National League MVP is hitting .299/.401/.547 on the young season. Honestly, Bryant has been the only Cubs’ player who has hit well all season long. Loaded with depth, the Chicago Cubs are well-equipped to deal with injuries. However, it is not easy for any team to deal with this many issues.

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