Bryant diagnosed with sprained pinkie finger after headfirst slide

This is the last thing the Chicago Cubs needed.

Star third baseman Kris Bryant left Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves after suffering what the Cubs announced to be a sprained left pinkie finger while being thrown out at third base to end the top of the first inning.

Several innings after Bryant left the game, the Cubs announced the injury, and added that X-rays on the finger returned negative. He's being considered day to day for the time being.

Bryant slid headfirst into third while trying to advance on what was ruled a wild pitch by starter R.A. Dickey. During the slide, Bryant jammed his left pinkie finger against the cleat of Braves third baseman Johan Camargo, causing it to bend backwards as he unsuccessfully reached for the base.

After clutching his fingers in obvious pain, Bryant slowly exited the field and was replaced defensively by Tommy La Stella.

Bryant, the reigning National League MVP, owns a .275/.401/.528 slash line with 19 homers, seven stolen bases, and 62 walks this season.

Helped in part by La Stella's 2-for-3 afternoon in place of the injured Bryant, Chicago beat the Braves 8-2 on Wednesday to improve to 6-0 since the All-Star break.