The highly anticipated Kris Bryant era will start Friday at Wrigley Field.
After a controversial three weeks in which the Cubs’ top prospect was sent to Triple-A Iowa despite a dominant spring training, team officials have elected to promote him to the majors, a source confirmed late Thursday night.
Bryant will take the roster spot of third baseman Mike Olt, who will be placed on the 15-day disabled list after getting struck on the right wrist by a pitch Saturday against the Rockies.
Bryant’s promotion was revealed shortly after he hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Triple-A Iowa’s 10-7 win at New Orleans. Bryant batted .321 with three home runs and 10 RBIs for Iowa after winning the large support of his teammates in spring training. Bryant batted .425 with nine home runs in only 40 at-bats.
Because Bryant wasn’t on the major league roster for 12 days, he won’t be eligible for free agency until after 2021. But the Cubs have an urgent need at third base because Olt and Tommy La Stella (sore right ribcage) are on the DL.
This marks another step toward the Cubs’ commitment to contending for a National League playoff berth. Bryant signed a $6.7 million bonus out of the University of San Diego two years ago, and he has dominated every level in the minors in a short span.
The fact that Bryant never played a game in the outfield during his seven-game stint with Iowa this month despite the team’s original plans reflects its need on the major league roster as well as the confidence that manager Joe Maddon has in using him at third and even the outfield, if needed.
Bryant is expected to make his major league debut against All-Star James Shields of the Padres.
Stanton Marlins’ HR leader
NEW YORK — Giancarlo Stanton has become the Marlins’ career home run leader, connecting for his first drive since a season-ending beaning last September.
Stanton hit his 155th home run on Thursday night, tagging Dillon Gee of the Mets for a long, two-run shot in the first inning. He began the day tied with Dan Uggla for the most homers in team history.
Nats’ Stammen needs surgery
WASHINGTON — Washington Nationals reliever Craig Stammen has a torn flexor tendon in his right forearm that requires surgery and could force him to miss the rest of the season.
Manager Matt Williams gave the news Thursday after Stammen had an MRI.
Longoria leaves after HBP
TORONTO — Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria left Thursday’s game against the Blue Jays in the eighth inning after he was hit on the left hip by a pitch.
Mikie Mahtook pinch ran for Longoria, who was drilled by Blue Jays reliever Marco Estrada.
That came one inning after Rays right-hander Chris Archer hit Toronto’s Edwin Encarnacion on the right elbow. Archer also hit Toronto catcher Russell Martin in the second.
After Longoria left, an animated Archer leaned against the top railing of the Rays’ first base dugout, yelling and gesturing at Toronto’s dugout.
Reyes exits with sore ribs
TORONTO — Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes left Thursday’s game against Tampa Bay after one at-bat with soreness in his left ribs.
Reyes has been bothered by soreness in his left side for several days, and said the injury affects him most when swinging from the left side.
Batting left-handed against Rays right-hander Chris Archer, Reyes grimaced and held his side after grounding out in the first inning. Once back in the dugout, he slammed his batting helmet to the ground and disappeared up the tunnel to the clubhouse.
Ryan Goins, who was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo earlier in the day, replaced Reyes in the second.
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