Kris Bryant goes hitless in Cubs debut

After 648 at-bats in the minors, Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant received his first chance to hit major-league pitching Friday. There was plenty of hype surrounding the event, so would Bryant deliver in his debut?

Not at the plate. Bryant struck three times in his first three MLB at-bats then grounded to third in his fourth trip to the plate. He finished his first game 0-4, as the Cubs lost 5-4 to the San Diego Padres.

In the first at-bat, Padres pitcher James Shields got the best of Bryant, striking him out on just three pitches. Shields led off Bryant with a low 89 mph cutter that Bryant was able to tip. He then threw his trademark changeup for a swinging strike. With an 0-2 count, Shields again turned to his changeup for the swinging strikeout.

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The fans were into the at-bat almost immediately. The crowd cheered loudly after Anthony Rizzo walked in the first inning, knowing they would get to see the 23-year-old Bryant take his hacks. Many fans stood up during the duration of the at-bat. There was an audible groan when Bryant went down swinging.

Bryant got the fans involved even before stepping to the plate. In the top of the first inning, he turned a double play on his first defensive opportunity. Based on the fan reaction, it may have been the loudest double play ever turned on the North Side.

Bryant looked better at the plate his second time around. After getting into a quick 0-2 hole against Shields, Bryant was able to lay off two straight changeups in the dirt. He even called time during the at-bat, suggesting maybe he felt more comfortable up there. After Shields missed with a fastball, Bryant was able to bring the count to 3-2. On the next pitch, Bryant couldn't lay off another changeup, and went down swinging again.

In at-bat No. 3, Bryant fanned again. This time, the Cubs had runners at second and third after four straight hits. The stage was set for Bryant to contribute, but Shields baffled him again. This time, the third strike came on a cutter that fooled Bryant. He waved weakly at it.

When Bryant came to the plate in the seventh, there wasn't much reverence shown by the Padres. Relief pitcher Dale Thayer intentionally walked Anthony Rizzo to pitch to Bryant with the tying run on second base. It worked, as Bryant grounded to third base and a fielder's choice ended the inning. That made Bryant 0-for-4 with four runners stranded.

Bryant did excel on defense. On top of his first inning double play, Bryant added a tremendous diving catch in the fifth inning.

Bryant also made a nice bare-handed play on a bunt during the same inning, but couldn't throw out Wil Myers in time. Overall, he looked pretty solid at the hot corner.

At the plate, it's a humbling start to Bryant's major-league career. But that's to be expected. Few players are able to dominate in the majors immediately. Plus, Shields is no easy task for a player making his major-league debut. He's a smart, veteran pitcher, and it's no surprise he was able to get the rookie during his first three at-bats.

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Making adjustments will be a big part of Bryant's game now that he's reached the majors. While his debut didn't go as expected, he should have plenty of time to work out the kinks now that he's finally arrived.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik