Cubs' Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo not in lineup amid trade chatter
Chicago Cubs trade buzz reached new heights on Thursday when the team announced superstars Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo would not be in the starting lineup against the Cincinnati Reds.
Cubs skipper Dave Ross insisted during his pregame press conference both players needed days off and that there was no connection to recent trade rumors.
Of course, Ross's comments haven't stopped social media from churning out even more speculation the Cubs are readying Bryant and Rizzo to be on the move. As ESPN reminds us, it is commonplace for a team to bench a tradable player so they don't get injured.
"They are available off the bench," Ross reminded the media while acknowledging he knows Cubs fans are eager to see Bryant and Rizzo play if it is, in fact, their last home game with the team.
"They'll get a nice round of applause, I'm sure, when they get in there -- if they get in there -- to pinch hit. Everyone can hate me or blame me, but we have to take care of these guys. Nobody has been traded yet; let's keep our heads about us."
The MLB trade deadline is Friday.
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