The NL Central-leading Cubs are getting healthier as they charge toward a third straight division title. The club announced that it has activated superstar third baseman Kris Bryant and shortstop Addison Russell from the 10-day disabled list. Of the two, only Bryant’s in the Cubs’ starting lineup for Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.
The Cubs’ roster looks stronger than it did when Bryant landed on the shelf July 26 with left shoulder inflammation, as the team has since swung deals for several players, including left-hander Cole Hamels and second baseman Daniel Murphy. Those additions have helped Chicago stay atop its division, which it leads by 3 1/2 games, in Bryant’s absence.
At the time of his DL placement, the 26-year-old Bryant was slashing .276/.380/.474 in 358 plate appearances. While those numbers are 29 percent better than league average, according to FanGraphs’ wRC+ metric, they’re a good deal worse than Bryant’s career line of .286/.387/.519 (141 wRC+). Perhaps because of his shoulder troubles, Bryant’s power output has fallen this season, as he has managed 11 home runs and a career-worst .197 ISO. Nevertheless, the 2016 NL MVP remains an eminently valuable player – one whom the Cubs are no doubt overjoyed to welcome back. Chicago primarily deployed David Bote at third with Bryant out, and while the former has had his moments during a quality rookie campaign, his production has cratered of late. Bote racked up 82 PAs in August and hit a meager .187/.244/.387 with 25 strikeouts against four walks.
As for Russell, he appears to be in line for diminished playing time, thanks in part to the acquisition of Murphy. Russell went on the DL with a sprained left index finger Aug. 22, which made room for the Cubs to add Murphy to their roster. Murphy has been hot since then, and carries a better offensive track record than Russell, making it likely he’ll continue as Chicago’s top option at the keystone. And Murphy’s presence has left shortstop for Javier Baez, who had been the Cubs’ starting second baseman and has been one of the majors’ most valuable players in 2018.
Getting healthy at the right time can count for a lot in the post season. Cubs have a well rested star in Bryant who has time to get his stroke back.
Don’t count the postseason on Bryant you never know how well he performs after being hurt so long
A) because he’s never been hurt so long and B) because Schwarber was such a disaster after coming back from injury in 16.
You’re being sarcastic, right??
So you’re comparing a knee injury after having a full offseason to rehab to a shoulder injury. Comparing apples to oranges always makes sense to me.
First, Schwarber did NOT have a full offseason to rehab. That was the same season. Two points to the original post——yes, we never know how he performs because he has never been hurt for this period of time before and also he made the point to not count on him for the playoffs—-Schwarber did just fine in the playoffs—-a injury now (Sept 1) has no bearing on playoff success IF that player is healthy when the playoffs start.
Oh brewcrew08. You never let the facts get in the way of your made up b.s.
Enlighten us oh wise one. What off-season did Schwarber have to rehab is knee before the world series. Do tell.
How your Brewers doing? I see they choked another game away last night. Ouch!
He’s fine
Of course Mike is being sarcastic. He was putting C1234 in his place
Glad Bryant is back. Russell can be used as a defensive replacement, as far as I’m concerned.
It’s been almost two full years of mediocre/ streaky hitting. It won’t cut it on a World Series caliber team, like the Cubs are.
How soon you forget about Russell’s post-season heroics! Bombs in Chavez Ravine vs. Dodgers and historic WS game 6 in Cleveland? I definitely want to see Addy at ss asap!
You put KB in RF, Baez 3B, Addy SS, Murphy at 2B. Not too shabby and then switch for D late in games.
Heyward is having a great (All-Star caliber) year. You don’t sit him. Russell hasn’t been good SINCE those things you mentioned. Largely mediocre since.
Heyward won’t play for a month due to hamstring injury. They DLd him Sat.
You’re living in the past.
If living in the past is betting on a 24 year-old WS SS, I’m in!
David Bote has proven he deserves it over Russell at the moment. It might actually be good for him if he has to earn his starting spot back
Like every idiot did when they thought it was funny the Cubs hadn’t win in 108 years? You fools need new and better material….or simply admit the Cubs are on a long, extended run of success.
It’s acknowledging that the past is the past. Things change. To deny such is to deny reality.
You’re simply fan-crushing on Russell, but starting him RIGHT NOW, isn’t the best move for the team.
Gee I guess the Cubs would have been better off not calling up Bote! He has contributed nothing. Your description of his contributions is insulting or ignorant.
This lineup is stacked