WASHINGTON -- Reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs left Wednesday night's 8-4 loss to the Nationals after stepping awkwardly on third base following his catch of a pop fly in the fifth inning.
The Cubs said Bryant has a mild to moderate sprain of his right ankle. They are unsure if Bryant will need to go on the 10-day disabled list, but he will not be in the lineup for at least Thursday's series finale.
The 25-year-old third baseman was limping badly after nabbing Matt Wieters' popup.
It took two trainers, with Bryant's arms around both of them, to carefully assist him off the field as he didn't put much weight on his right ankle.
"The awkward momentum off the base caused it," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "I was watching closely. It was more painful than you might think, but I've done it, so you know it can really be a sprain.
"It's unfortunate. Hopefully, it's just going to be a couple days."
The injury added to an already busy day for the Cubs, as they designated catcher Miguel Montero for assignment after his public comments criticizing pitcher Jake Arrieta the night before. Some members of the team also visited the White House and President Donald Trump.
The team, meanwhile, dropped to 39-39 on the season.
Asked about negative things piling up for the Cubs, Maddon said: "I grew up in the minor leagues, man. Things happen and you have to fix them when things happen. You don't cry. Of course, suboptimal, no question, but when you come up the way I've come up -- A-ball manager, Double-A manager -- stuff happens. You have to react. You can't cry about it."
Bryant is hitting .264 with 16 home runs on the season.