(670 The Score) Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant has been diagnosed with a moderate right ankle sprain, which he rolled in stepping awkwardly on first base while running out a double-play ball in rainy conditions at Wrigley Field on Sunday.
Bryant will be treated and evaluated on a daily basis. While he hasn't officially been shut down by a Cubs team that needs a miracle in the final week of the regular season to make the playoffs, it seems likely that he'll miss the final six games.
X-rays revealed no fracture in Bryant's ankle before the MRI revealed the extent of the injury.
Bryant is hitting .282 with 31 homers, 77 RBIs and a .903 OPS in 147 games.
In another injury update, shortstop Javier Baez (thumb fracture) was set to take grounders and play catch Tuesday. He has pinch-run recently and returned for one pinch-hit at-bat Saturday, striking out to end the Cubs' wild 9-8 loss to the Cardinals.
Chicago opens a three-game series at Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening. The Cubs trail the Brewers by four games for the second National League wild-card berth. Their elimination number is three.
