Cubs' Bryant sidelined with ankle injury

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant won't play in Friday's game against the Atlanta Braves after an MRI confirmed he sustained a mild ankle sprain during Thursday's contest.

The team isn't overly concerned by the injury, though, and it's not expected to keep him off the field for more than a couple of days. Manager Joe Maddon said it's possible Bryant could be available to pinch-hit if the team's training staff signs off on it.

"If (athletic trainer PJ Mainville) thinks (Bryant) can help us in the latter part, he'll let us know," Maddon told reporters. "We'll know game in progress whether or not he's able to hit late if we need that."

Bryant left the game versus the Milwaukee Brewers in the top of the fifth inning after rolling his ankle while rounding second base in the third.

Javier Baez, who replaced Bryant in left field Thursday, will cover third base in his absence on Friday.