Kris Bryant Exits Game vs. Nationals with Ankle Injury

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday's game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.

Buster Olney of ESPN reported Bryant left the contest with help after he rolled his ankle on the side of third base. After the game, the Cubs announced Bryant suffered a mild to moderate ankle sprain, and Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago reported the team had not made a decision about whether to put Bryant on the disabled list.

Bryant has quickly established himself as one of the best players in baseball. The infielder was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2015 and the Senior Circuit's Most Valuable Player in 2016. He also earned All-Star Game selections in each year.

The 25-year-old Las Vegas native has remained mostly durable during his rise toward superstardom. He missed just 18 combined games over his first two seasons in the big leagues. An illness did force him out of the lineup for a couple of games in mid-May, though.

Jeimer Candelario and Javier Baez figure to get the first crack to fill the void at the hot corner if the latest ailment causes the slugger to miss more time. Tommy La Stella is another infield option, while Albert Almora Jr. and Ian Happ could help in the outfield, as Bryant also plays right field occasionally.

Losing a player of Bryant's caliber always creates a bigger hole in the lineup than any team, even one as deep as the Cubs, can fill. Chicago will need a collective effort in order to make sure the offense continues to click until its anchor returns.