Colorado Rockies: Kris Bryant talks injury, expectations

CHICAGO — Kris Bryant returned to Wrigley Field on Friday, this time as a member of the Colorado Rockies. Chicago Cubs fans who hoped to see Bryant play once again in the Friendly Confines, however, would have to wait until next season as the 30-year-old outfielder remains on the injured list with plantar fasciitis.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant talks about returning to Chicago and his health

Bryant said that a recent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has been helpful to his recovery and he has shed the walking boot that was being used to battle the effects of plantar fasciitis. He was seen throwing earlier in the week when the Colorado Rockies were facing the Chicago White Sox, and Bryant said he ran on Friday at Wrigley Field.

“I feel much better than I have. I got the PRP shot a couple or three weeks ago and I never thought it would work as good as it has, so that’s a good feeling,” Bryant said. “I’m finally able to do some baseball stuff. I ran for the first time today and it felt good so hopefully we’re kind of moving in the right direction.”

Bryant said that it was important to him to have “an offseason that’s as close to normal as possible, so that’s kind of where my head is at right now.”

There is no official timetable for Bryant’s return, and the Rockies have just 18 games left in the regular season after Friday’s series opener against the Cubs. Colorado general manager Bill Schmidt told Rox Pile he hopes that Bryant can return this season.

Bryant was also asked by members of the media from Chicago about living up to the seven-year, $182 million deal he signed in the offseason to join the Rockies.

“I feel like I generally handle things pretty well,” Bryant said. “You ask me that question while we’re at a place where we are today (Wrigley Field, where Bryant played the first six-plus years of his MLB career). I think playing here helped me handle certain expectations and pressures that this game brings.”

Bryant admitted that 2022 has certainly not been like anything he expected, but he has found support with his new franchise.

“It’s been a weird year for me, starting all the way back in November with things shut down and then finding a team real quick, then being hurt and having twins,” Bryant said. “Just a lot of life changes you know, but everybody here has been unbelievably supportive and I’ve established some really good relationships here. It’s going to help me in the future because I’m going to be here a while.”