MRI confirms mild ankle sprain, Cubs’ Bryant day-to-day

The results of a MRI conducted Thursday on Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant’s ankle confirmed the initial diagnosis of a mild sprain that will likely keep the slugger out of the line-up for a couple of days.

Javier Baez took Bryant’s spot in the lineup Friday against the Atlanta Braves. Manager Joe Maddon said Friday morning that Bryant will remain in the training room during the early part of Friday’s game, but could be used if needed later in the game.

“(Sprained ankles) can be tricky, but (Cubs trainer) PJ (Mainville) seems to be optimistic about this whole thing,” Maddon said. “I think if we rest him a little bit right now and not abuse it right now, it should go away.”

The 2015 National League Rookie of the Year rolled his ankle Thursday against the Brewers while scoring on an Anthony Rizzo double in the third inning before leaving the game in the top of the fifth inning.

Bryant currently has a six-game hitting streak and is hitting .289 with four home runs, 15 RBIs and a .372 on-base percentage.

Friday was the first game Bryant has not started this season. Maddon said the Cubs will be cautious with the injury and that Bryant could play with a sore ankle as long as there’s no threat it could get worse.

“The (risk) with sprained ankles is to re-jam it somehow,” Maddon said. “That’s the problem with an ankle. You could be feeling fine after even a week or two weeks and you just hit it wrong and you just hit it wrong and you feel it.

“The biggest concern is that always is that someone is not able to hurt themselves any further.”