The Rundown: Bryant at DH Today in B Game, Maddon Stresses Patience; Szczur Day-To-Day; Beeler Feeling Better
Tonight’s Cubs game against the Diamondbacks will be shown commercial-free on Comcast Sports Net (8:30 p.m. Central). I’m really looking forward to catching this; I remember something similar last year and it was a pretty enjoyable experience.
Unfortunately, Kris Bryant will not be part of the broadcast.
Or, more accurately, he won’t be playing during the broadcast. Instead, Bryant will be serving as the DH in a B game this afternoon against the Angels, according to Mark Gonzales. Maddon reportedly apologized to the young third baseman for incorrectly listing him in the lineup for the Diamondbacks game.
Bryant has been dealing with some shoulder fatigue and hasn’t played in the field since March 12. It had been mentioned we could see him return to playing defense today, but it looks like we’ll have to keep waiting.
And while Cubs fans will need to practice patience before seeing Bryant back at third base, Maddon apparently told the Cubs’ top prospect that he has to exercise patience when it comes to all of the noise about not making the Opening Day roster.
Specifically addressing recent comments made by agent Scott Boras, Bryant said he has been receiving “mixed messages” from coaches and fellow players.
As per usual, Maddon comes to the rescue of his guy: “When you put a young player in that position to answer those types of questions, it’s not going to be easy for him. He’s trying to protect his agent. He’s trying to protect the organization. He’s trying to tell you what he thinks.”
Joe Maddon is just the best.
Other notes
* OF Matt Szczur is day-to-day after crashing into the outfield wall on Tuesday, according to Carrie Muskat. He was scratched from yesterday’s lineup to help heal up. Szczur has had a very nice spring, and is vying for the fifth outfielder spot.
* Mark Gonzales writes that RHP Dallas Beeler said his right shoulder is feeling “10 times better,” but no word on when he might appear in a game. Beeler got a couple of starts last year, but didn’t figure to be in the running for the fifth starting spot this season.
* The Chicago Tribune made this nifty graphic that shows the size of the new left-field video scoreboard. I’m definitely looking forward to having it out there. It will probably look weird at first, but I think it will ultimately provide for a better all-around experience at Wrigley, enabling fans to view replays, more in-depth stats, and full lineups.
