9:23pm: X-rays were negative on Bryant’s bruised right hand, Cubs manager David Ross told the Chicago Tribune’s Meghan Montemurro and other reporters. Bryant is a question mark for Wednesday.
6:56pm: Cubs star Kris Bryant exited tonight’s game against the Mets after being hit on the hand by a Taijuan Walker pitch in the first inning, according to reporters. Patrick Wisdom took his place at third base. ESPN’s Marly Rivera adds a few details. At present, the Cubs are describing the injury as a right hand contusion. We’ll update this post with further information on Bryant’s status when it becomes available.
Bryant, 29, ranks 12th in MLB with a 150 wRC+, though he’s slumped in the past few weeks. He’s logged at least 60 defensive innings at every outfield position, as well as the infield corners. It’s been a strong comeback season for Bryant thus far, and his stellar play is one reason the Cubs entered play tonight in a first-place tie with the Brewers. Given the Cubs’ estimated 43% chance at the playoffs, GM Jed Hoyer will have a hard time trading Bryant before the July 30th deadline – despite the slugger’s pending free agency.
If you’re thinking MLB hitters are being hit by pitches more than ever lately, you’re right. Dating back to 1920, batters were never hit more frequently than they were in 2020: once per every 81 plate appearances. But the 2021 season, which has already gone on longer than the COVID-shortened campaign, is challenging that record at once per every 86 or so. We should see soon whether MLB’s enforcement of its foreign substances rule further increases HBPs, but the fact is they were already at an all-time high.
oldmansteve
Oh no! Get that pitcher some Spider Tack! Stat!
lilpartialbaldo
Thoughts and prayers.
Egon Spengler Never Dies (#15)
I have two condolences left as well after offering up one on a previous post. I forgot what the other post was about though.
Fever Pitch Guy
Hey!
jdgoat
BRING BACK THE STICKY
hoyce
Eliminate every one that’s been hit in an elbow pad and gimme those numbers. Bet it would drop 20%
Putmeincoach12
At least
Dutch
If pitchers can’t locate without spider tack, they may need to dial back a bit. Back in the days of complete games being pitched, pitchers didn’t throw full throttle. It’s the difference between pitching and just hurling a ball.
blueboy714
do what they did in the 1920s – good old fashioned spit
Egon Spengler Never Dies (#15)
So this is inevitably the fault of Scott Boras, right? Are we cancelling Boras clients yet? I don’t remember reading this in the official rules yet.
RobM
Walker has always been on the suspected list for Spider Tack. Very high spin rates. Maybe this was just a pitch that got away normally, or maybe he’s now attempting to pitch clean. This is what MLB will be. Everyone checking spin rates, or wondering if errant pitches are being caused by no sticky stuff, or wondering if injuries are being caused by using or not using sticky stuff.
Way for MLB to have the focus on the players…in the wrong way.
oldmansteve
Walker actually has mediocre spin rates, so why are you talking out your ass?
baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/taijuan-walke…
Egon Spengler Never Dies (#15)
Steve, is it OK if I make an off-brand copy of your name a few usernames from now? You are a hero to many, so I might use Steven Omaha or something. You are the Dr. Pepper to my Mr. Pibb.
RobM
Sir, this is MLBTR.com.
Franco27
Did anyone watch Tommy Nance pitch last night? His stuff was extremely mediocre, no control, lack of grip?
Franco27
I do think this is something they should have addressed in the off-season, not in the middle of the season.
rond-2
Exactly, why in the hell change the game mid season? Makes no sense……
its_happening
Crowd the plate, this will unfortunately happen.
explodet
Pretty sure the sticky stuff is causing the HBPs (and awful control), not the opposite. You can’t tell me that a ball that’s glued to your hand is going to stop adhering to your fingers at the exact same point of your release on every pitch.
Cosmo2
No the sticky stuff improves grip which improves control. This is not a matter of debate amongst anyone.
explodet
Empirical evidence would indicate otherwise.
Cosmo2
What empirical evidence?
TrueOutcomeFan
This sentence is empirical evidence that you failed physics and English.
Fred K. Burke
Maybe some pitchers will now use the excuse of not having a good grip to hit batters. Maybe settle old scores? Maybe some bad blood or hard feelings?
I believe some will do it. Just sayin’.