Bryant launches homer in first rehab game

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. -- The first prolonged absence from the baseball diamond in Kris Bryant's career did little to prevent him from making a statement that he is ready to return to the Cubs.

The Chicago third baseman capped his first rehab game at Double-A Tennessee on Monday by crushing a two-run home run over the left-field fence in his fourth at-bat.

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Bryant's blast was validation of his decision to take a break and allow his ailing left shoulder to heal instead of playing through the injury.

"It bothered me when swinging and my follow-through because I've always had a big, long follow-through, and with big, long levers, sometimes things wear down, and that's just kind…