Bryant exits with hand contusion after HBP

June 16th, 2021

NEW YORK -- Cubs third baseman left Tuesday’s 3-2 loss against the Mets at Citi Field with a right hand contusion after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.

After Joc Pederson's leadoff single, Mets right-hander Taijuan Walker hit Bryant on the right hand with a 1-0 pitch. Bryant stayed in the game and went to first base, but he was taken out of the game in the bottom of the second inning and was replaced by Patrick Wisdom.

Manager David Ross was not sure if Bryant will miss any games. The team should know more before Wednesday’s contest against the Mets.

“The trainers just saw him. It’s probably some swelling in there. I don’t know exactly. The trainers were checking him out when he came in and said he really couldn’t grip the bat,” Ross said. “We’re going to err on the side of caution when [it comes] to that kind of stuff. We are going to get some tests done and make sure he is OK.”

Bryant has arguably been the Cubs’ MVP this season, hitting .292 with 13 home runs and 39 RBIs.