SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Kris Bryant‘s balky lower back feels better, he’s moving well, and his swing looks fluid. Those are all good signs for Bryant’s attempt to put together an entire season for the Rockies.
‘This was a big win for me,” Bryant said after drawing two walks in two at-bats in Colorado’s 6-1 Cactus League victory over Milwaukee on Sunday at Salt River Fields. “Honestly, just being on the field, feeling good and playing baseball is a big win for me. I’m just pretty proud of myself for getting to this point and getting back on the field.”
Even though Sunday was just an exhibition game early in spring training, it was a good stepping stone for Bryant, who last played on Aug. 10.
“I’m feeling good,” Bryant said. “There are days when (my back feels) a little cranky, but that’s a good thing for me because I know every day is not going to feel perfect.
“So, I’m finding ways to figure out how to work through certain things and certain motions that might give me a fit here and there.”
Bryant, who turned 34 on Jan. 4, has been slowed by injuries and frustrated by his lack of production since signing a seven-year, $182 million free-agent contract with the Rockies before the 2022 season.
Back issues (chronic disc problems and arthritis) and plantar fasciitis have kept Bryant in the training room. He played just 37 games in 2024 and only 33% of Colorado’s games since signing the biggest free-agent deal in franchise history. He’s swatted only 17 home runs in Rockies purple.
Bryant worked overtime in the offseason to strengthen his core and build up his back strength. Plus, Bryant is standing more upright in the batter’s box, an adjustment he will take some of the pressure off his lower back.
“I’ve been wide my whole career, and I’m trying to save my legs a little bit, and, in turn, that might save my back,” he said. “Everything I’ve worked on and focused on is an attempt to stay on the field. And, honestly, I think there are good results, mechanically, when I am standing more upright.”
Manager Bud Black expects the 2016 National League MVP to be a major contributor this season.
“We are looking for K.B. to get out there and take some good swings, which he has,” Black said Sunday. “In his work this week, he’s (swung) the bat great, he’s moving well and has no problems physically. He’s looked good in practice.”
