Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt told reporters Bryant’s visit with orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins will determine the next steps in his rehabilitation process. The 33-year-old was diagnosed earlier this month with lumbar degenerative disease and will have to manage the ongoing issue for the remainder of his playing career. There is no timetable for his return at the moment.

Bryant added that he’s received a couple anti-inflammatory shots to address the inflammation in his back and has no plans to give up on a potential return. The 33-year-old was diagnosed earlier this month with lumbar degenerative disease and is expected to have to manage the ongoing issue for the rest of his career. The assumption is that he’ll be ready to return when first eligible, but that hardly seems like a guarantee at this point.

That’s the good news, but Black also cautioned that this is something Bryant and the Rockies are going to have to manage and address going forward. The 33-year-old was diagnosed with a degenerative disc disease, and it’s likely this will be something that he’ll have to deal with for the rest of his career. Bryant can’t be recommended a fantasy hold, even with Coors Field at his disposal for home games.

It’s not what you want to hear. Bryant has been a non-factor for fantasy purposes since signing a massive seven-year, $182 million contract with his hometown Rockies back in 2022. The ominous diagnosis, which is a syndrome associated with wear and tear on a spinal disc causing lower back pain, further clouds his immediate and long-term future.