Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) and third baseman Kris Bryant (17) get a day off as they watch the game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs' Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo not in lineup amid trade chatter

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/29/21

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.

Cubs manager David Ross says Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant will be available off the bench today at Wrigley Field. Rizzo gets his first day off since the All-Star break and Bryant is coming off a recent hamstring issue. Ross ends his pregame media session: “Stay off Twitter.”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) July 29, 2021

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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