Chicago Cubs: Will we see Kris Bryant this weekend?

Has Bryant’s time arrived?

If we go by the service time date, the Chicago Cubs could call up

as early as Friday. But that would seem unlikely as Theo Epstein likes to debut rookies on the road. With the Cubs at home this weekend against the San Diego Padres, we may have to wait just a few more games. Possibly Monday when they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates.

Whatever the reason for keeping down Bryant may have been, the circumstances in Chicago may dictate when he comes up. Tommy La Stella is on the DL with a sore rib cage. Mike Olt is active, but it’s clear his hand is bothering him at the plate, and a DL trip might not be a bad idea. With the sudden versatility of Chris Coghlan, who has played left field, third and second base in the Reds series–the Bryant era may begin soon.

In the case of La Stella and Olt, neither has produced from the third base position. Jonathan Herrera isn’t likely to either. Now that both are either on the DL or banged up–this may be a great time to bring Bryant up without affecting the morale of the players involved. At least in the immediate future. Both Olt and La Stella are being judged against Bryant’s minor league totals–and don’t say they aren’t. It’s a “can’t win” scenario for those two unless they homer once a game like Bryant.

Whatever the plan that Epstein and Jed Hoyer had in mind is likely to play out a lot differently than anticipated. Injuries can do that in baseball.

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The wildcard in the group could be Arismendy Alcantara. While he’s been praised for his versatility, other than his game-winning RBI against the Reds in the opener, he’s been ineffective to the tune of a 1-for-19. Suddenly Coghlan is playing second and third? We assumed Olt would be the victim of the Bryan call up, but Alcantara could be in the crosshairs.

Regardless of what moves the Cubs make–if any–come Friday, one thing is for certain. The Bryant supporters will be out in full force with every hit he collects in Iowa after this weekend. And it may be hard to argue with any of them here soon.

Next: Castillo's hot start gives the Cubs more options