Things have gone from bad to worse for the Chicago Cubs.
Third baseman Kris Bryant had to be helped off the field on Sunday afternoon after suffering what looked like an ankle injury as he tried to beat out a double play:
Kris Bryant leaves the game after this awkward play at first pic.twitter.com/q3tAX0d3KR
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) September 22, 2019
Bryant being helped off the field with help. Putting little weight on it. Already nursing that right knee ailment.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) September 22, 2019
Bryant appeared to roll his right ankle as he slid past the first base bag. He was down on the infield dirt after the play and needed assistance getting back to the dugout.
This marks yet another frustrating blow for a Cubs team that has lost five of their last six games and is in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
As is noted in Jesse Rogers' tweet, Bryant has been battling right knee soreness for the last couple weeks, saying that running and sliding were starting to feel awkward. The Cubs will certainly hope that this incident did not exacerbate the knee issue.
After battling shoulder issues and a brutal September last season, Bryant has had a stellar 2019 season. The former National League MVP ranked 20th in the MLB in terms of fWAR (while also leading all Cubs players) entering Sunday's contest, slashing .282/.381/.522 with 31 homers on the season.
Although Bryant has received some criticism for apparently lacking in the clutch department, he has actually been one of the best high-leverage hitters in Chicago's lineup. He has a .967 OPS in all high-leverage plate appearances, and a 1.125 OPS in all situations deemed “late and close.”
The Cubs are still fighting for their playoff lives. But with Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo also ailing, the concern might turn to conserving the health of the young stars in preparation for next season. It would not be a surprise if Kris Bryant's season is over.
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