Colorado Rockies injury update: Kris Bryant could return vs. Minnesota Twins

After taking part in a simulated game on Friday afternoon at Coors Field, Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black said that Kris Bryant could return from the injured list in time for next weekend’s road series against the Minnesota Twins.

Here is the latest injury news on Kris Bryant of the Colorado Rockies

“Our hope is that we see Kris in Minnesota,” Black said before the Colorado Rockies took on the San Diego Padres to open a three-game series. “The next five, six, seven days, we’ll see what lies ahead.”

Black indicated that Bryant would head to Triple-A Albuquerque for a rehab assignment before joining the Rockies in Minnesota for a series that begins on Friday. He added that Bryant “looks ready” after running the bases, participating in outfield drills, and stepping into the batting cage over the past few days.

Bryant has been on the injured list twice this season with back issues, including landing back on the IL on May 25 (retroactive to May 23) with a lower back strain. Bryant had played in just two games (going 1-for-6) after coming off the injured list before the strain forced him back on the shelf.

So far this season, Bryant has just 63 at-bats and is slashing .270/.342/.675. He has yet to hit his first home run in a Rockies uniform.

Bryant’s absence has slowed Colorado’s offense as the Rockies have stumbled to a 27-37 mark and have lost seven consecutive home games for just the fourth time in franchise history.

“Arguably, when he’s Kris Bryant, he’s our best player,” Black said. “He’s our best offensive player so, when he’s in the lineup, it moves everybody down a notch. The whole expression about lengthening the lineup is real when he’s in there.”

The Rockies signed Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million deal this offseason after he played for the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants last season.