Bryant increases rehab activity, but running causing soreness
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DENVER -- Rockies designated hitter Kris Bryant is increasing his activity, but he said Wednesday that running is painful as he rehabs from a May 8 ablation procedure to combat lumbar degenerative disk disease in his back.
Bryant has been limited to 11 games this year by the back issue, which has been the prime reason he has played only 170 games since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract going into the 2022 season.
“I want to do everything I can,” Bryant said. “I want to play baseball. It’s fun when you’re on the field. And the last couple years are really the first time in my whole life of playing baseball where I’ve had to deal with things like this, and it’s been just extremely frustrating for me, waking up and being in pain each day. That’s just really frustrating.
“But I’m doing my best to have a good attitude and stay with this rehab plan.”
After playing catch on Tuesday, Bryant played catch again Wednesday, took dry swings (not hitting a baseball) and did light running/shuffling/dynamic warmup exercises. Running is the hardest part.
"I'm just being completely honest,” Bryant said. “When I do run, I am sore -- not just sore, but hurting. We've determined to keep trying and see if it continues, if it improves. That's where I'm at. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking that some days I see light at the end of the tunnel, some days I don't."
Bryant still expects the rehab to work so he can return to the field.
"I'm not an expert in any of this,” Bryant said. “I'm trying to take the advice of the PT and training staff, what they think is best, and I'll just keep going with it."
Since Bryant began his current extended injured list stint, the Rockies relieved manager Bud Black of his duties and went to Warren Schaeffer on an interim basis.
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“It’s a really good vibe that Schaeff is bringing in here, and it’s been fun to see him as a big league manager,” Bryant said. “I’ve really loved watching Tyler Freeman and his at-bats. It’s amazing to see Jordan Beck coming into his own, getting a lot of opportunities. Ryan Ritter looks like a ballplayer. I love watching him, with all the emotion of his first hit. There are always positives to be taken from this year.”