Cubs place slugger Kris Bryant on injured list; Jose Quintana could make season debut next week — as a reliever
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs finally placed slugger Kris Bryant on the 10-day injured list, and Jose Quintana finally could make his season debut next week — out of the bullpen.
Bryant, who injured his left wrist and left ring finger while attempting to make a diving catch against the Indians on Aug. 12 in Cleveland, was placed on the IL retroactive to Tuesday. Bryant took light swings with a fungo bat Friday, but the injuries need more time to heal.
Bryant, the 2016 National League Most Valuable Player, was one for his last 17 and is batting .177 with a .271 on-base percentage this season from the leadoff spot.
The earliest Bryant could return is Aug. 29, when the Cubs play the Cincinnati Reds in a doubleheader. Meanwhile, Ian Happ is likely to retain the leadoff role in Bryant’s absence, with David Bote receiving the majority of the starts at third base.
