Kris Bryant expected to take heavy batting practice on Friday

Kris Bryant seems to be getting closer to a return to action for the Chicago Cubs.

Bryant had a light day on Thursday, but he will have a heavy day of batting practice on Friday, according to The Score’s Bruce Levine.

Light day for Kris Bryant . He will have a heavy day of BP on Friday

— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) August 23, 2018

Bryant has not played since July 23 because of a shoulder injury that has bothered him since May. The former NL MVP said two weeks ago that he is no longer feeling pain in his shoulder. He also said he expects to return in time to impact the pennant race, so this is another sign that he is getting closer.

If all goes well with Bryant’s heavy day of batting practice, he could be sent out on a rehab assignment soon thereafter. A September return to the lineup seems like it could be a possibility.

Bryant is batting .276 with an .854 OPS in 76 games this season.