Cubs' Kris Bryant Dealing With Nagging Knee Issue and it Doesn't Sound Great
By Ryan Giglio
With questions surrounding the managers long-term job security and the future of some current core players, anything short of a legitimate playoff showing in 2019 for the Chicago Cubs may result in a big shake up.
If the team is going to have any autumn success, Chicago needs its stars healthy.
But things don't always work out that great.
Maddon said Bryant’s right knee is “still barking.” Third baseman came into the manager’s office after Saturday’s game to let him know it was still an issue. Day to day.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 8, 2019
Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is not in Sunday's starting lineup because, as manager Joe Maddon said, Bryant's knee is "barking."
The former MVP has been dealing with knee issues since the All-Star break and it doesn't seem like the issue will be solved during the season.
Perhaps the injury explains why the 27-year-old has been struggling since August. In 32 games, Bryant is hitting .241/.328/.414 and striking out 29 percent of the time.
Kris Bryant's Knee Is Still A Big Problem For The #Cubshttps://t.co/PH0An0Jqnv pic.twitter.com/eI5E0zxh2z
— ✶ Sports Mockery ✶ (@sportsmockery) September 8, 2019
Unfortunately for Chicago, Bryant's issue isn't the only health concern for important Cubs players. In the past week, the team has put closer Craig Kimbrel and infielder Javy Baez on the injured list.
The Cubs currently sit 3.5 games behind the first-place St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central but hold a 1.5 game lead for the second Wild Card spot.
Although anything is possible in September, it seems that the injuries and struggles from star players may be too much for Chicago to overcome.