Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant has once again found himself on the injured list, this time due to a lower back injury diagnosed as lumbar degenerative disc disease. This condition, stemming from spinal wear and tear, has been a recurring issue for Bryant since joining the Rockies in 2022. The latest setback marks his ninth stint on the IL since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract with Colorado.

Speaking to reporters on Easter Sunday, Bryant shared an update on his back issues, revealing the debilitating nature of the whole matter. He described himself as “in constant pain and nauseous, where I can’t eat, which was the situation today.”

Following an exercise program the previous day, Bryant discovered he wasn’t feeling good on Sunday and felt he could hardly move. He had received some injections to reduce inflammation but it still isn’t enough to fix the problem.

Bryant’s struggles with back issues have been well-documented since joining Colorado. Last season, he revealed, “The discs in my back are pretty much dried up… they don’t function like they did 10 years ago.” He also mentioned severe arthritis in his facet joints and the presence of bone spurs, describing the situation as “just part of getting older.”

However, the issue has only grown more severe since the revelation of the back issues stemming to last season. The Rockies and worked closely with Bryant over the offseason to try and strengthen his core to reduce stress on the back, but it appears there is no simple measure to address the disease. The rehab methods, shots, and other matters have all been tiring for a frustrated Bryant who has yet to consider surgery.

“The doctors aren’t there yet,” Bryant said. “They mentioned it, but there are other avenues you can go before you get there… A back surgery is a pretty big surgery.”

For now, there is no timetable for Bryant’s return. Despite the challenges of the matter, Bryant remains committed to managing his condition and returning to the field. Retirement isn’t in consideration right now, but he is understandably frustrated by the whole situation because of the inability to play the game to which he has committed his life.

The 2016 National League MVP’s time with the Rockies has been marred by injuries, limiting his contributions on the field. Since joining Colorado, he has recorded a .695 OPS over parts of four seasons, a significant drop from his .886 OPS during his tenure with the Chicago Cubs. In the current season, he’s batting just .154 with no home runs in 39 at-bats over 11 games.

In his absence, the Rockies, off to a 4-17 start, will have to take advantage of the opportunity and utilize their young and inexperienced players. Injuries have hit the club hard in the early part of the season, forcing the organization’s hand in its rebuild efforts. The offense has been awful to start the season and Bryant’s presence hasn’t been the buoy they had hoped for when he signed. The issues are going to be quite prevalent, but the hope is that the experience will help the young bucks find their footing.

As the Rockies navigate the season, Bryant’s health remains a focal point. The team is hopeful that his dedicated approach to managing his back issues will lead to a return to form, but the reality of the situation is that Bryant may never return to any resemblance of the player he was before. Still, it’s worth it to him to try everything he can.

“I want to play. I want to talk to doctors, see if there’s anything else we can do.  But, yeah, I want to not give up.”