Bryant homers, exits early with sore right knee

July 25th, 2019

SAN FRANCISCO -- Cubs third baseman left Wednesday's game against the Giants with right knee soreness, one plate appearance after hitting a key home run in Chicago's 4-1 victory.

No further details about the extent of Bryant's injury were available, though he walked under his own power as he left the Oracle Park visitor's clubhouse. Said Cubs manager Joe Maddon, "I don't know the severity" of the injury. Thursday is a scheduled off-day for the Cubs, giving Bryant an opportunity to rest.

Bryant slugged a two-run homer off Giants starter Tyler Beede in the third inning, his 21st long ball of the season, to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead in the series finale.

Bryant appeared to wince as Beede struck him out in the fifth inning. Bryant then was replaced defensively by backup infielder David Bote as part of a double-switch with right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who received the start when Jon Lester was scratched due to a fever. At the same time, first baseman Anthony Rizzo also left the game, having been ejected by plate umpire Jordan Baker. Victor Caratini replaced Rizzo.

"I don't know. K.B. told me it was bothering him," Maddon said. "I was watching him walk up to the plate and you could see it was bothering him. That was right before he hit the home run, too. He hit the home run and he stayed out there a little bit longer."

Bryant has remained durable this season, appearing in 97 of Chicago's 102 games.