Rockies manager doesn't expect Kris Bryant to be sidelined for long after sidelined with back injury

TORONTO (AP) — Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black said he doesn't expect outfielder Kris Bryant to miss significant time after the former NL MVP left Saturday's game in Toronto with a sore right rib and back.

“Don't think it's bad, but we'll see how it goes tonight,” Black said. “He'll be back there tomorrow and hopefully it'll sort itself out.”

A four-time All-Star and 2016 NL MVP, Bryant was hurt in the first after catching a deep drive from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. after turning and hitting the outfield wall.

“That ball was hit hard,” Black said. “It wasn't like a fly ball, it was more of a line drive. It came out quickly so Chris had to answer. He knew the wall was there and there was going to be contact, he grabbed it and he hung it, so it was a good play.”

Bryant got loose at the plate and doubled in the second, but tightened up before striking out in the fourth.

Michael Toglia took over on defense in the bottom half.

Bryant hit .133 with one run and six RBIs. He was ruled out of the starting lineup last Saturday against Tampa Bay with a back strain. Bryant returned the next day and went 0 for 3 with a walk.

Now in his 10th big league season, Bryant debuted with the Chicago Cubs in 2015, where he was named the NL Rookie of the Year. He won the World Series and the NL MVP award with the Cubs in 2016.

Bryant was traded to San Francisco in 2021 and signed a seven-year contract With Colorado through the 2022 season.

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