Kris Bryant to Start Tuesday, Steven Souza Jr. Also Returning from IL

As we had indicated yesterday, Kris Bryant is indeed being activated from the IL and will be in the starting lineup when the Cubs open up their series with the Pirates. Steven Souza Jr. is also being activated, but David Ross might wait to start him until Wednesday, when the Cubs face old friend Derek Holland.

Bryant is batting .177/.271/.323 with two home runs in 70 plate appearances, but he’s been slowed by elbow, finger, and wrist injuries. The latter is easily the biggest factor moving forward and Bryant received an injection in it prior to being placed on the IL. He’s been swinging since then and has gotten at-bats in South Bend, but there’s really no telling how it’ll react to game situations until he plays again.

Even if he’s not at 100%, Bryant’s ability to work counts and run the bases makes the Cubs a better overall team.

Souza has compiled a .190/.292/.429 slash with one homer in 24 plate appearances and had been playing decent defense before hitting the shelf with a hamstring injury. His return boosts the Cubs’ outfield depth and allows them to really stack the right-handed bats against southpaws.

In addition to the moves that were made Monday night, the Cubs announced Tuesday that righty reliever Casey Sadler was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for the additions.