Bryant makes the grade, moves to high-A Daytona
That was quick.
Exactly one month after signing this year's top draft pick, Kris Bryant, the Cubs promoted the third baseman Monday from short-season Class A Boise to high-A Daytona.
The 21-year-old out of the University of San Diego ended his stay at Boise with a 15-game hitting streak, during which he was 22-for-53 (. 415).
In 18 games, he had a hitting line of .354/.416/.692 for an OPS of 1.108. He was 23-for-65 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 homers and 16 RBI.
With the promotion to Daytona, Bryant bypasses the Kane County Cougars. This had been the Cubs' plan since they signed him, provided he got off to a good start. The Cubs have Jeimer Candelario playing third at Kane County. Daytona also has a shot at the playoffs, and Bryant could get valuable postseason experience.
“We felt Daytona was a place Kris would be able to go and compete in his draft summer once he got enough ABs under his belt,” said Jason McLeod, the Cubs' senior vice president for scouting and player development. “With Daytona being in the playoffs, Kris will get three-plus weeks down there, which will be nice.
“We want Jeimer to continue playing third base every day, so that was taken into consideration as well.”
Injury updates:Rehabbing right-hander Scott Baker threw a bullpen session Monday and he'll likely do one more before restarting the rehab at Daytona. Baker has been victimized by rainouts since moving his rehab from Kane County to Daytona. The 31-year-old Baker is on the mend from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2012 while with the Twins. He suffered a setback in spring training during his only start for the Cubs. Outfielder Jorge Soler, who had been playing at Daytona, underwent an exam on his left leg Monday in Arizona. Soler suffered a stress fracture in his tibia in late June. The Cubs will evaluate the results this week and determine a course of action. Soler may be able to play before Daytona's season is out, and the Cubs likely will send him to the Arizona Fall League in October.Out of the shadows:The Sept. 7 home game against the Brewers has been moved from 12:05 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. The Cubs have moved several Friday and Saturday games to 3:05. The later starts may give the players rest in the morning, but they have an effect on the games, with the late-afternoon shadows. #8220;It throws everybody's schedules off,#8221; said manager Dale Sveum. #8220;If you've been on the road with three 7:05 games and a 1:10 game on the road, and all of a sudden it's a night, 1:05, 12:05, 3:05 so there's no consistency. It's a time of day you rarely play at. You don't take BP (batting practice) at 1 in the afternoon.#8220;The shadows in right field are horrendous, and obviously late in the game hitting, you better have the lead because it ain't too easy hitting once those shadows come in.#8221;