Kris Bryant could’ve started Sunday’s series finale. Joe Maddon stressed if the stakes were higher, Bryant would’ve been in the lineup.
But since it was just a game in August, Maddon chose to give Bryant the day off.
“He’s got a little bit of like a knee thing going on that I’m just being aware of,” Maddon said. “He’s fine. Playoffs? Yeah, he’s playing today. But I just, I’m watching him and I’m talking to him, I thought it would be the perfect day to give to him today.”
Without Bryant, the Cubs moved David Bote to third and Tony Kemp started at second, whom Maddon wanted to get into the lineup against the Brewers’ Adrian Houser.
Maddon didn’t want to stoke any speculation about the status of Bryant, who left early on July 24 with right knee soreness.
“I don’t want to create an issue. Just get (Bryant) off his feet,” Maddon said. “He would have played today. He could have played today, but I chose to do it this way.”
Welcome back
As expected, the Cubs placed Willson Contreras (right hamstring) on the injured list and recalled Taylor Davis from Class AAA Iowa. Contreras, who pulled up in the seventh inning of Saturday’s game, will have an MRI on Monday.
Maddon said there wasn’t much new to report on Contreras.
“I don’t want to create conjecture on injury until we’re absolutely sure,” Maddon said.
Davis is a familiar face, having played in parts of three seasons with the Cubs and is used to the team’s pitching staff. Though the circumstances of his return aren’t ideal, Davis just wants to contribute when given his chance.
“I’m ready to help and happy to help,” Davis said. “Obviously, not a good thing, but I’m here and it is what it is. So let’s move on and try to help the team.”
Since August trades were abolished, the Cubs will be hard-pressed to find outside reinforcements if Contreras is out for a considerable amount of time. Yet Maddon at least expects the front office to look for help.
“Of course. Of course you are,” Maddon said. “The guys are always going to be active in that, but we’ve moved this whole thing along knowing that Taylor would be next in line.”
If the Cubs don’t find any catchers from outside the organization, Maddon is comfortable going with Davis as Victor Caratini’s backup.
“He’s done a nice job here before,” Maddon said. “The pitchers like to throw to him. Analytically speaking, our guys upstairs love him. If it plays out this way, we’re fine.”
Strop update
Pedro Strop (left neck tightness) is progressing well, Maddon said. He’s done some work in the bullpen and Maddon said he’s been told Strop looks really good, but would know more on Monday or Tuesday.
“He’s on the horizon,” Maddon said.
Adding insult to injury…
A few hours after Contreras went down, Astros starter Aaron Sanchez and three relievers combined to no-hit the Mariners. Their catcher was Martin Maldonado, who appeared in four games with the Cubs before getting shipped to Houston for Kemp.
Unfamiliar foes
The Athletics visit Wrigley Field for three games starting Monday. The series will be the teams’ first regular-season meeting since the Cubs swept a three-game set Aug. 5-7, 2016, in Oakland.
