Kris Bryant admits he’s frustrated by his injuries. But the Rockies’ high-priced outfielder said he’s doing his best to tune out criticism about his inability to stay on the field.
Since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract in mid-March of 2022, Bryant has spent more time in the training room than on the playing field. With Bryant on the roster, the Rockies had played 229 games entering Monday night’s game at Boston. Bryant, 31, had played in 92 of those (40%).
A back injury, followed by plantar fasciitis and a heel bruise in his left foot, limited him to 42 games last season. He played in 50 of Colorado’s first 67 games this season but has been on the injured list since May 31 with what the club says is a left-heel bruise.
Bryant, however, said Sunday that the plantar fasciitis still “comes and goes.”
“Definitely, it’s frustrating, for sure, when you want things to feel one way, but they don’t,” he said. “I’m keeping a good attitude about it and we have a good plan and I’m doing everything I can to get right.”
Is there a timetable for his return?
“Not really,” he said. “I’m doing more things than I did last year, so, comparatively, that’s a good thing. I feel like I’m able to do more, this time around.”
But Bryant is still not participating in baseball activities.
In his 50 games this season, Bryant slashed .263/.346/.374 with five home runs and six doubles. His .346 on-base percentage ranks third on the team behind catcher Elias Diaz (.350) and designated hitter/outfielder Charlie Blackmon (.347), who went on the IL Sunday with a broken right hand.
But Bryant, brought in to boost the Rockies’ power, ranks just seventh in slugging percentage (.374).
His contract was the biggest free-agent deal for a position player in franchise history, but Bryant said he’s not feeling any extra weight even though he’s been unable to stay on the field. The 2015 National League Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP said he doesn’t listen to critics.
“It is what it is,” he said. “That’s not something I pay too much attention to. In this game, when you do things in the past, and have a pedigree and you have the accolades that produce contracts and bigger money, well, that’s the situation that I’m in.
“A lot of people here have that same situation, so I don’t pay too much attention to it.”
Asked if he was bothered by questions linking his injuries to his big contract, Bryant said, “I don’t mind that question, but I didn’t get that question when I was in my rookie year, first year or third year (when you’re making the league minimum).
“I mean, I totally get (the question). But I don’t pay too much attention because of what I have been through and seen in this game. I just try to be the best ballplayer I can be.”
Tuesday’s Pitching Matchup
Rockies RHP Chase Anderson (0-0, 2.25 ERA) at Red Sox RHP Kutter Crawford (1-3, 3.68 ERA)
5:10 p.m. Tuesday, Fenway Park
TV: ATTRM
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM
Anderson has pitched well for the Rockies despite not getting a win in any of his first five starts. In Colorado’s 6-4 loss to the Giants last Thursday at Coors Field, he allowed a season-high three runs on six hits over 5 1/3 innings. Anderson’s 2.67 ERA is the second-lowest in franchise history through a pitcher’s first five starts with the club. Anderson is 1-0 with a 6.35 ERA in six game (five starts) against Boston.
Crawford gave up three runs on five hits in three innings in Boston’s 5-2 loss to the Guardians on Wednesday. He was inserted into the rotation to replace the injured Chris Sale, who’s out with a shoulder injury. Crawford was limited to 58 pitches in his last outing, so he might not pitch deep into the game against the Rockies.
Pitching probables
Wednesday: Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (4-5, 7.57) at Red Sox RHP Garrett Whitlock (3-2, 4.78), 5:10 p.m., ATTRM
Thursday: Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland (4-7, 3.91) at Braves TBA, 5:20 p.m., ATTRM
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