Kris Bryant Expected To Make Major League Debut For Chicago Cubs Today
The time has finally arrived.
Kris Bryant, a former Baseball Factory alumnus and 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All-American, is expected to be called up to the Chicago Cubs today and make his major league debut after a much-celebrated and talked about spring training.
How did @KrisBryant_23 celebrate his reported callup? Take one guess: http://t.co/hCp120h2Di pic.twitter.com/g7TDKRomX6
— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 17, 2015
Bryant has continued his torrid start, hitting his third home run in seven games on Thursday night for Triple-A Iowa. He had nine hits in his first 28 at-bats, driving in 10 runs, hitting .321.
The No. 2 prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, learned of his promotion after Mike Olt, who had been the Cubs starting third baseman, was hit on the wrist by a pitch last Saturday against the Colorado Rockies. Olt has a hairline fracture of his wrist that will sideline him for a minimum of three weeks, according to a major league source.
Today I got to tell my family that my dream is coming true. Can’t really put into words what that feels like. So excited for this journey! — Kris Bryant (@KrisBryant_23) April 17, 2015
Knowing the type of bat Bryant possesses is just one part of his game. Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon feels confident in Bryant’s ability at third base, but also the potential to play other positions as well.
“I see him as a third baseman,” Maddon told MLB.com Wednesday. “That’s where I saw him, and I thought he could do that. Conversationally with him, he likes playing the outfield, which I thought was interesting. If you could play him at two spots, and injuries occur, things have to be moved around, maybe somebody is available who does better here than there, that’s a nice thing to have.”