Cubs not shutting down Kris Bryant for the season just yet

Kris Bryant isn’t ready to give up on his 2020 season

Bryant’s oblique injury has him out indefinitely, with David Ross and Co. updating his status on a day-to-day basis. It’s been a frustrating year for the Cubs third baseman, as he was mentioned in trade rumors all offseason only to have any opportunity to shut up those reports taken from him due to injury. Bryant is hitting under .200 in his last 35 games. It’s a large enough sample size to wonder if this much stopping and starting throughout the season is too much to come back from.

“I definitely feel like it’s frustrating,” Ross said. “He was pretty emotional [in the clubhouse]. It’s a unique year and he’s dealt with a lot.

“It’s a frustrating situation for him…I know he wants to be out there and play. Hopefully we get some good news … We’ll see how it goes tomorrow [Tuesday]. I’m trying to hold out hope,” Ross continued.

Where will the Cubs turn without Bryant?

Without Bryant, the Cubs will turn to Nico Hoerner or David Bote. The latter will see more playing time as he’s got six home runs on the season. The younger Hoerner, meanwhile, is primarily a shortstop and doesn’t flash the same offensive potential necessary to thrive in the postseason.

Bryant is eligible for free agency after 2021, and a contract seems unlikely this offseason given his struggles this season. Provided he can’t come back and make a major impact in the postseason, Chicago is facing some major questions this offseason.

Bryant has yet to receive his MRI, but the soreness in his oblique is enough to shut him down momentarily. Ross also stated that they’d prefer to get Bryant some at-bats before the playoffs start if he’s able to contribute come October.