There was a scary moment Sunday in Coors Field just minutes into the game. Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant was hit in the head with a 96 mph fastball from Rockies pitcher German Marquez.
Bryant was obviously immediately tended to by Cubs coaching and training staff members. He appeared pretty well shaken up as he was helped off the field.
The Cubs have relayed the following update:
Kris Bryant was examined upon exiting today’s game and has passed all tests thus far.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 22, 2018
He has a small laceration above his eye from his sunglasses, but has shown no signs of a concussion.
He will continue to be evaluated.
The big-picture concern here is for the well-being of Bryant, one of baseball's best and most marketable players. It sounds like he dodged a bullet if he doesn't have a concussion.
In the near-term, rookie David Bote will likely take over at third base for Bryant. Tommy La Stella is also an option and once Ben Zobrist comes off the disabled list, the Cubs could move Javier Baez to third base as well. They have depth in spades.
In the long-term, losing Bryant -- or getting him back in a compromised state -- is a severe blow to the Cubs. He's hitting .319/.467/.536 this season and has improved his game to the point that he has more walks than strikeouts. He's an MVP and one of the 10 or so best players in baseball.
It sounds like the Cubs don't have to worry about the long-term implications, though, assuming Bryant did avoid a concussion.
