Despite collision, Cubs' Kris Bryant expected to return to lineup

— -- CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant left Monday's game against the Cincinnati Reds with what was called a lower left leg contusion after he collided with center fielder Albert Almora Jr. in the fifth inning of the Cubs' 10-4 win, but manager Joe Maddon said Bryant should be OK.

"He should be fine tomorrow [Tuesday]," Maddon said of Bryant, who hit his league-leading 24th home run in the game. "I'm anticipating putting his name in the lineup tomorrow."

Maddon indicated that if the Cubs hadn't been blowing out the Reds at the time, Bryant would probably have stayed in the game.  

Bryant was shaken up for a moment but stayed in the game to finish the inning. Replays showed both players calling for the ball.

Almora shouldered most of the blame.

"It's my fault," Almora said. "I'll take full responsibility for that. It was toward his side. I don't hear anything, and I don't want to let a ball drop out there. I called it at the very end, but it was too late."

Matt Szczur pinch hit for Bryant in the following inning, as the Cubs were up big on the Reds. 

Bryant has 24 home runs and 63 RBIs and is likely to be named the All-Star Game starter at third base when final fan voting is released Tuesday.

The Cubs are dealing with several injured players, including regular center fielder Dexter Fowler and semi-regular left fielder Jorge Soler. Bryant has played more in left while Soler has been out.

Getting dressed next to Almora as he spoke with reporters was injured catcher/outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who was lost for the season after an April collision with Fowler.

"Albert is just an aggressive center fielder," Maddon said. "He's so darn good. ... We just have to be more verbal. Loud, loud when you make that call."