Bryant’s return on hold, won’t play vs. Twins

MINNEAPOLIS » The Kris Bryant watch continues.

The Rockies had hoped that the left-fielder would be ready to join the team for its weekend series here against the Twins, but Bryant’s return has been delayed. Manager Bud Black said Bryant “is close” but not quite ready to rejoin the big-league team.

Bryant is still trying to get back into playing shape after being on the injured list with a sore lower back beginning April 26. He attempted to come back but played in just two games before going back on the IL on May 23.

“No setback at all,” manager Bud Black said prior to Friday night’s game at Target Field. “We’re just looking at it more realistically. He probably needs just a few more games to get ready.”

Bryant, 30, is playing rehab games with Triple-a Albuquerque. He started in left field on Tuesday and Wednesday with the Isotopes, going 0-for-3 with one strikeout on Tuesday, then going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts Wednesday. Bryant did not play Thursday night but was scheduled to play Friday night for the Isotopes at Las Vegas.

Bryant, who signed a sevenyear, $182 million free-agent contract with Colorado and was expected to be its best offensive player, has played in only 17 games.

He might return next week when the Rockies open a six-game homestand vs. the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. There are no guarantees, however, that Bryan will be ready by next week.

The Rockies believe he still needs more at-bats and they want to see him run the bases during game competition.

Black, however, continues to stress that Bryant’s lower back is OK.

“He’s good, the back feels good,” Black said. “We are going to get him through this weekend and then we will adjust.”