Theo Epstein Helps Relieve Panic After Latest Kris Bryant Injury Update

So, the other day Joe Maddon gave an update on Kris Bryant and well it didn’t sound great. Hell, it kind of sounded like a setback and that’s the last thing you want to hear as a Chicago Cubs fan. Bryant, the best hitter on the team since 2015, has missed nearly a third of the season so far and there hasn’t been a timetable revealed to the public for his return.

Anyway, here’s the initial update from Maddon on Bryant that was concerning.

Via the Chicago Tribune.

The wait for Kris Bryant continues.

Manager Joe Maddon described the persistent discomfort Bryant is experiencing as he goes through a series of range-of-motion exercises under the supervision of trainer PJ Mainville.

“(Mainville) was putting him through some tests, and he still was feeling (discomfort) in different spots, so he backed off,” Maddon said Thursday. “I haven’t heard anything new.”

Bryant’s been on the DL twice after hurting his shoulder back in May. He tried to play through the pain and his offensive numbers took a dip.

So, not great that the Cubs had to “back off” this week.

HOWEVER!

Theo Epstein went on 670 The Score Friday morning and among several topics he brought up Bryant’s return. He cleared up Maddon’s comment on the team backing off on Bryant.

“There’s not an elevated level of concern behind the scenes, because there’s progress, there’s stability, and there is behind the scenes time tables, but it requires patience.”

“I know Joe said he feels it in a certain position and that got everyone alarmed, but it’s really sort of the extreme end of his range of motion where he feels it. The rest of it feels good. He’s making good progress.”

And so we wait. It’s incredible that even with the loss of Bryant the Cubs remain as one of the best offensive teams in baseball. Getting him back will obviously be a boost hopefully down the stretch and into the postseason.