Kris Bryant Suffers Sprained Finger vs. Braves, X-Rays Negative

Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant suffered a sprained pinkie finger during Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves.

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the diagnosis, noting X-rays were negative and that Bryant would be monitored over the coming days.

The Cubs announced Bryant was removed in the first inning and replaced by Tommy La Stella. Wittenmyer added Bryant injured his finger while sliding into third base.

The second half has been very good to the Cubs so far. They acquired Jose Quintana from the Chicago White Sox on July 13 to boost their rotation and entered Wednesday's game riding a five-game winning streak since the All-Star break.

Should Bryant be forced to miss significant time, manager Joe Maddon could use La Stella as his everyday third baseman. Javier Baez also has the versatility to play the hot corner, while Ben Zobrist could handle second base duties in place of Baez.

Bryant has been one of the few consistent bright spots in Chicago's lineup this season. The reigning National League MVP was hitting .273/.399/.524 with 19 home runs in 87 games coming into play Wednesday.