Top prospect Kris Bryant joins Cubs for game vs Padres

FILE - In this March 16, 2015, file photo, Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant signs autographs before the Cubs' spring training baseball game against the San Diego Padres in Peoria, Ariz. Bryant looks to be on his way to the Cubs. Multiple outlets reported Thursday night, April 16, 2015, that Bryant will be called up before Friday's game against the San Diego Padres, clearing the way for his much-anticipated major league debut. The Cubs would not comment, but Bryant wrote on Twitter that his "dream is coming true" and that he is "so excited for this journey." (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

By Associated Press April 17, 2015 2 min read

CHICAGO (AP) – Prized prospect Kris Bryant is in the majors.

The Cubs added Bryant to the roster for Friday’s game against San Diego. Bryant is batting cleanup and playing third base against James Shields and the Padres.

Bryant and agent Scott Boras made it clear they were not happy that he opened the season in the minors. He had a dominant spring training, but by waiting to call him up, Chicago gained an extra year of control before he can hit free agency.

Friday is Day 13 of the season, which means Bryant could at most accumulate 171 days of major league service. Because 172 days count as a year, keeping him in the minors through Thursday ensured he would not be eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season.

Bryant hit .425 for the Cubs in spring training with nine homers and 15 RBIs in 40 at-bats. He was batting.321 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 28 at-bats with Triple-A Iowa.