Cubs look to catch an All-Star break, but Bryant adamant to play

By Madeline Kenney

In a season that hasn’t gone as planned, the Cubs have a chance to catch a break.

As Ben Zobrist sees it, having just one representative in the All-Star Game will be beneficial.

“I attribute the struggles of the first half to fatigue — physical and mental fatigue,” Zobrist said. “So any extra rest that we can get is good for us.”

Closer Wade Davis was the lone Cub to make the initial National League roster, but another still has a chance.

After leading NL third basemen for the majority of voting, two-time All-Star Kris Bryant slipped behind the Rockies’ Nolan Arenado, who surged into the starting lineup. Bryant must win the NL Final Vote to make the team.

Though his teammates said the All-Star break is a blessing, Bryant was adamant that he doesn’t need extra rest.

“I don’t think there is any benefit to the extra days off,” Bryant said. “I think you start the season in April and you expect to be playing until November. Whether that be in an exhibition game or whatnot. I feel great right now. My ankle feels good. My body feels fine. I would be more than happy to play in that game.”

Bryant would be only the second Cubs player to make the All-Star Game in the Final Vote. Anthony Rizzo made it in 2014.

Without Bryant, the defending World Series champions would be underrepresented in the All-Star Game to a historic degree. According to MLB Network, the 2016 Cubs would be the first championship roster in history to send zero players to the All-Star Game the next season.

Last year, the Cubs sent seven players, including their entire infield, to the Midsummer Classic. Five were voted into the starting lineup.

At 41-42, the Cubs are 11 games behind their pace last year, when they were 52-31 through 83 games.

If Bryant isn’t voted into the game, he’ll be the first reigning MVP not to make it since the Phillies’ Jimmy Rollins in 2008. That year, Rollins was on the disabled list for three weeks with a sprained ankle.

“Right now, it would be nice,” Bryant said. “It’s a huge honor. But right now, I’m not too worried about it. It’s kind of cool to be in the Final Vote considering how I made it the last two years.”

Bryant was selected by the players as a rookie in 2015 and by the fans last year.

Manager Joe Maddon said he wasn’t surprised when he saw the All-Star results.

“I can’t defend my guys based on other guys that made the team at this point,” Maddon said. “If you just look at the numbers plus our injuries, there’s no way for me to make a strong argument.

“For as much as you want to promote your own guys, and I would and I do, it came down to if you look at the numbers head-to-head, it was hard for me to make any argument.”

Bryant’s numbers this season don’t scream “All-Star.” He’s hitting .262 with 16 home runs and only 33 RBI.

The results of the Final Vote will be announced Thursday night.

Follow me on Twitter @madkenney.

Email: mkenney@suntimes.com

FINAL VOTE CANDIDATES

AMERICAN LEAGUE

SS Elvis Andrus, Rangers

SS Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox

SS Didi Gregorius, Yankees

1B Logan Morrison, Rays

3B Mike Moustakas, Royals

NATIONAL LEAGUE