Called up one day after the team ensured he can't be eligible for free agency until 2021, the prized prospect struck out in his first three at-bats against James Shields and went 0 for 4 in a 5-4 loss to San Diego Padres on Friday.
Seeking their first World Series title in 107 years, the Cubs selected Bryant's contract from Triple-A Iowa and inserted him into their starting lineup as the cleanup hitter and third baseman.
Bryant cleanly handled Derek Norris' sharp first-inning grounder, starting a 5-4-3 double play. Following a two-out walk to Anthony Rizzo in the bottom half, Bryant was given a standing ovation as many in the crowd took photos.
With fans still on their feet, Bryant swung through three pitches for an inning-ending strikeout. He foul-tipped an 89 mph cutter on the low, outside corner, then swung over a pair of changeups.