Kris BryantEarlier this week, the current NL MVP was placed on the 10-day injury list due to degenerative lumbar disc disease, another chapter earlier this week. The recurring defender issues are just part of a few injuries, and in his more than three seasons at Colorado, Kobe has limited Bryant's 170 games, but it seems to be the most lasting obstacle to stop Bryant from entering the field for any duration.
Kobe shared some details about his situation with reporters (including Thomas Harding of MLB.com) on Sunday, including some of the side effects of his current back problems. After having a workout plan yesterday, Kobe said:I don't feel good when I wake up” and describe himself as “I can’t eat it in the constant pain and nausea, and that’s what it is today. “As Kobe described a game situation, he felt good for most of the games, but his last game had little swing and the nature of his back injury could come and go.
this”Very frustrating“Degenerative disc disease at least makes Kobe think about surgery, thoughThe doctor is not there yet“When recommending it, this program almost certainly ended Kobe's 2025 season and brought him into another long recovery and exercise cycle with the goal of opening up in 2026, perhaps the best case scenario.
For now, Kobe is not sure when he will feel good enough that it is feasible to return. He received two anti-inflammatory shots on Tuesday, although given his nausea today it was apparently only limited help. In the bigger picture, Kobe also said he was not considering retirement, making it clearI want to play. I want to talk to the doctor and see if we have other things. But yes, I don't want to give up. ”
Bryant's seven-year, $182MM contract with the Rockies can't be considered anything but a bust, as Bryant has hit only .244/.324/.370 over 712 plate appears during the life of the deal, and the Rox have a disastrous 192-315 record since Opening Day 2022. Beyond all the talk of salaries and second-guessing front office decisions, one can't help but feel sympathy for Bryant as he is struggling in a situation that obviously affects the quality of his life.
Until a health breakthrough appears, or maybe until Kobe decides to undergo surgery, all he and the Rockies can do is play the waiting game. Colorado's frustrating 4-17 start will almost certainly sink any chance in a competitive season, and ROX is increasingly turning to many young players whose debut at MLB is a possible glimpse.
