Kris Bryant returns to Cubs lineup and fans rejoice

The Chicago Cubs third baseman has been cleared for Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals

This past weekend, the Chicago Cubs fanbase received quite the scare upon hearing that third baseman Kris Bryant self-reported gastrointestinal issues shortly before the team’s Saturday game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The good news was that Bryant didn’t test positive for COVID-19, but there was uncertainty if he’d receive clearance by the league to play in Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals.

Sure enough, the Cubs made it official that Bryant will be batting leadoff against the AL Central team. He won’t be manning the hot corner this evening, as David Bote will assume those duties. Instead, he’ll play in left field.

Bryant returns after self-reporting symptoms

On Sunday, manager David Ross revealed that Bryant’s condition was getting better, but it was unknown if he’d be cleared for the primetime game on Monday. Bryant yielded a negative diagnosis on his rapid test this morning, and MLB gave him the green light to take the field.

Bryant had been extra cautious on the field during their first weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds, after Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel all self-reported symptoms. After that news, Bryant began wearing a face mask while he was on the base paths.

The Cubs have been lauded across the league for how they’ve followed COVID-19 protocols dating back to summer camp. In fact, the team hasn’t had a single positive test since the team returned from their nearly four month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In six games this season, Bryant is slashing .120/.241/.160, while recording three hits, four runs scored and two RBI.

Major props go to Bryant for taking the proper precautions, given the difficulties the league has had with containing the spread of COVID-19 (i.e. Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals). The scare turned out to be all for naught, but it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.