MLB REPORT

CHICAGO CUBS

Slugger Kris Bryant left Sunday's game against Cincinnati after colliding with center fielder Jason Heyward in the sixth inning.

Speaking right after Chicago's 10-2 loss, manager Joe Maddon said he hadn't watched the replay but was told Bryant was hit in the head/neck area.

“He's doing OK. He's still under evaluation,” Maddon said. “We don't know exactly what we're doing with this whole thing yet. But we're trying to talk with the doctors and find out exactly where we're at.”

Bryant was cleared to travel with the team to Houston for the start of its six-game road trip. He walked through the Cubs' clubhouse after the loss to the Reds, but the media wasn't allowed to speak with him because he was still being evaluated.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Lefthander James Paxton and shortstop Didi Gregorius are closing in on their returns to the team while righthander Jake Barrett is heading to the injured list.

The 30-year-old Paxton has had discomfort in his left knee but is on track to rejoin the rotation this week, manager Aaron Boone said before Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals.

Paxton pitched four innings of one-hit ball Friday in extended spring training. He threw long toss and took pitcher's fielding practice Sunday. Paxton has said there's still discomfort when he throws, but he thinks it will be manageable.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Top pitching prospect Mitch Keller will make his major league debut for the club in a doubleheader today against the Cincinnati Reds.

The 23-year-old Keller is being called upon to help a depleted rotation that has struggled without injured Jameson Taillon and Trevor Williams. He'll start the nightcap after Nick Kingham pitches the opener.

The Pirates have been reluctant to rush Keller to the big leagues. He struggled in spring training but regained some confidence in Triple-A, where he's 5-0 with 47 strikeouts in his last seven starts.