Cubs, Bryant good as Kipnis signs deal

Theo Epstein claims there are “no hard feelings on either side” in the relationship between the Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant.

Bryant’s grievance against the team was denied by arbitrator Mark Irvings, who ruled the players’ association did not prove Chicago’s reasons for holding the third baseman in the minors at the start of the 2015 season were a pretext to push back his eligibility for free agency.

“I’ve had a good text exchange with KB, checking in here recently, and whether it’s the trade rumors or the grievance matter, there are no hard feelings on either side,” Epstein, the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, said Tuesday. “He’s excited to report to camp later this week. He’s excited for the 2020 season… He’s looking forward to getting started and continue what’s been a great relationship.”

A three-time All-Star and the 2016 NL MVP, Bryant is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.

Also, the Cubs agreed to a minor league contract with second baseman Jason Kipnis that includes an invitation to big league camp for spring training. A person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it is pending a physical.

Kipnis, who turns 33 in April, was born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook. He spent his first nine seasons with Cleveland, batting .245 with 17 homers and 65 RBI in 121 games last year.

Kipnis is expected to compete with rookie Nico Hoerner and Daniel Descalso for the starting job at second.

Horse racing

ANOTHE HORSE DIES AT SANTA ANITA >> A horse died on the training track at Santa Anita last weekend, the sixth death at the track since late December.

A 6-year-old gelding named Double Touch and trained by John Sadler suffered what was described as a “sudden death” on Saturday, according to an incident report on the track’s website. A necropsy required by the California Horse Racing Board was pending.

There have been 43 deaths at Santa Anita since December 2018, including six beginning shortly before the winter-spring meet began on Dec. 28.

Double Touch finished fourth in his last start in the $70,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes on Jan. 26. Owned by Hronis Racing, the gelding was claimed for $40,000 by Sadler last September.

Double Touch had four wins in 22 career starts.