Bryant’s injury opens up an opportunity for fan favorite Sean Bouchard
Welp…
The Rockies announced today that they have recalled OF Sean Bouchard from Triple-A Albuquerque and have placed INF/OF Kris Bryant on the 10-day IL (retroactive to April 14) with a low back strain.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) April 17, 2024
Yeah, it’s happened again. Kris Bryant is once again headed to the Injured List, and it’s hard to say exactly when he’ll be back. The injury likely occurred on what was, to be fair, a great play made during this past series in Toronto:
Great though that catch was, it’ll now cost Bryant some time. The Rockies were hopeful that the outfielder/first baseman would be able to return to duty after a few days’ rest, but that no longer appears to be the case.
This ailment is the most recent hurdle in what’s been a brutal start to the 2024 season, one that’s seen “KB” slash .149/.273/.255 to go along with a -0.3 bWAR. His strikeout rate, just shy of 40% thus far, has raised concerns, though it’s worth mentioning that he seemed to have been on a slight upward trend over his last two games played.
However, the injury brings an opportunity for the returning Sean Bouchard. The 27-year-old outfielder impressed last season as he hit over .300 and provided plus defense through 31 games. As he continues to impress at the Triple-A level, he makes perfect sense as a replacement for the ailing Bryant.
Bouchard will likely split time in the corner outfield with Michael Toglia and Jake Cave in right field. He’ll make his season debut tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies at 4:05pm MDT, hitting sixth in the lineup.
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This is a developing story and Purple Row will provide updates as they become available.