Bryant expected back in S.F. finale
SAN FRANCISCO — Third baseman Kris Bryant, who has been on the disabled list because of a shoulder injury since June 23, might return to the Cubs’ lineup Wednesday against the Giants.
Bryant, who played through shoulder discomfort for about a month before it worsened enough to seek treatment, completed a two-game rehabilitation assignment Tuesday with Class AA Tennessee.
He went 2-for-6 with a home run in the two games, leaving the second game early and taking a flight late Tuesday to San Francisco to join the Cubs.
‘‘He had a good day,’’ manager Joe Maddon said. ‘‘We hoped it would be able to work out this way, and it looks like it’s going to.’’
The Cubs expect to have Bryant and first baseman Anthony Rizzo in the lineup together for the first time since June 22 in Cincinnati.
Rizzo, who was out of the starting lineup Tuesday against a left-hander, has been out of the lineup 13 times this season, including a DL stint because of back stiffness. Bryant has missed 23 games.
‘‘Give our guys credit that have been out there,’’ Maddon said, citing rookie David Bote’s work at third base and at the plate, Javy Baez’s work in the No. 3 spot in the order and Albert Almora Jr.’s additional playing time in the leadoff spot. ‘‘What happens when stuff like that does happen is other people surface.’’
All-Star opening?
Right-hander Brandon Morrow, who has been one of the best closers in the National League, was a selection- day All- Star snub but might find his way into the game next week as an injury replacement.
Closer Sean Doolittle became an All- Star scratch when the Nationals put him on the DL.
‘‘I’ve got plans now, so . . . ,’’ Morrow deadpanned.
Actually, he has plans, but he said he’d go if he got the shot.
‘‘I’d go throw an inning for them,’’ he said before adding: ‘‘It’s hard to balance. It’d be nice to have three days off right now. And you think about your own team.’’
Morrow, who has converted 20 of 22 save chances and has a 1.63 ERA, knew he had a good shot at making his first All- Star team and didn’t make plans for the week before learning he wasn’t selected.
But he also said: ‘‘I wasn’t surprised. It’s so hard to make the All- Star team. I tempered my expectations. I didn’t want to count my chickens before they’re hatched.’’
Duensing update
Left-handed reliever Brian Duensing pitched a 1-2-3 inning, needing only 11 pitches, in a rehab appearance Tuesday with Tennessee. He’ll be evaluated Wednesday before he’s scheduled to pitch again.