Rockies’ Kris Bryant sideline again; Kyle Freeland nearing return

Kris Bryant, the oft-injured first baseman and designated hitter, was not in the starting lineup for the Rockies’ Monday night game against Cincinnati. Bryant is once again dealing with lower back issues.

Manager Bud Black said that Bryant was “a little sore” and added that Bryant was consulting with doctors and team trainers.

Bryant tweaked his back Sunday while making a twisting catch of Mookie Betts’ popup in foul territory in the eighth inning during Colorado’s 4-0 loss to the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Bryant missed 31 games earlier in the season after he was placed on the injured list on April 17 with a strained lower back. Since coming off the injured list on May  21, Bryant has slashed .222/.333./306 while reaching base safety in eight of 10 games.

In 28 games this season, Bryant is hitting .186 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He opened the season in an 0-for-28 slump.

Last month, Bryant acknowledged that his aching back — he has disc problems and what he called “severe arthritis” — will be a challenge for the rest of his career.

“I know I have a bad back, and that’s no secret, and there are some things in there you aren’t going to heal,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s just part of getting older, and it sucks.”

Freeland’s progress. Veteran left-handed starter Kyle Freeland is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game on Tuesday. Freeland was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 16 with a left elbow strain and transferred to the 60-day IL on May 24. Black estimated that Freeland is likely 3 1/2 weeks away from returning.

Veen sidelined. Outfield prospect Zac Veen, who had been playing well for Double-A Hartford, is in Scottsdale, Ariz., getting treatment on his strained lower back. He’s working out at the Rockies’ Salt River Fields complex but is not doing baseball activities. There is no timetable for his return to game action. Veen, Colorado’s first-round draft choice in 2020, has not played since May 18. He’s hitting .326 with a .986 OPS, five home runs and 12 RBIs.