Rockies OF Kris Bryant (back strain) heads to IL

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Colorado Rockies outfielder/first baseman Kris Bryant, who is dealing with a back strain, was placed on the injured list for the third time this season on Monday.

In corresponding moves, the Rockies recalled outfielder Jordan Beck from Triple-A Albuquerque and right-handed pitcher Bradley Blalock from Double-A Hartford while optioning left-hander Josh Rogers to Triple-A.

Bryant, 32, has played just 37 games this season for Colorado while missing about five weeks in the spring and another six-plus across June and July due to IL stints. He dealt with a low back strain and a rib/oblique issue earlier this season.

Bryant, a four-time All-Star and 2016 National League MVP with the Chicago Cubs, is in the third year of a seven-year, $182 million contract. He has yet to play a total of 162 games, the length of one full season, as his career has been marred by injuries since coming to Denver.

Bryant has batted .250 with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs in 159 career games for the Rockies. This season, he has managed just a .218/.323/.301 slash line with two home runs and 15 RBIs.

Beck, 23, made his major league debut on April 30 and batted .190 with two homers and eight RBIs in his first big-league stint, lasting 23 games.

Blalock, 23, has played in one major league game, pitching one scoreless, hitless inning for the Brewers in a 7-6 loss to the San Diego Padres on June 20. He was brought to the Rockies in a trade that sent right-hander Nick Mears to Milwaukee in late July.

Rogers, 30, is 2-0 with a 6.55 ERA in six relief appearances with the Rockies this year.

–Field Level Media