Cubs make major Cody Bellinger injury move

There’s good news for the Chicago Cubs, and it involves Cody Bellinger. The outfielder will be activated from his 10-day IL and will be playing as designated hitter on Tuesday. (per MLB’s official website)

Bellinger fractured two of his ribs after crashing into Wrigley Field’s outfield wall back on April 23 against the Houston Astros. At first, it seemed that the Cubs star was okay, as he remained on the field for some time after the collision (which happened in the fourth inning). However, by the game’s seventh inning, Bellinger did not see action .

“Honestly didn’t feel much at first,” Bellinger said, per ClutchPoints’ Jason Patt. “As the innings went on, I started to get a little more uncomfortable.”

Before getting hit with the injury bug, Cody Bellinger batted .226 and tallied a .760 OPS in 22 games (84 at bats). The slugger also managed 17 RBI and five home runs in that span. Last season, Bellinger was named NL Comeback Player of the Year, slashing .307/.356/.525 while accumulating 97 RBI and 26 homers in 499 at bats. He also put up an OPS+ of 133, winning his second Silver Slugger Award.

Going back to the present, the Cubs opted to go with Pete-Crow Armstrong at center field during Bellinger’s absence. The recently-recalled prospect will likely continue his role until Bellinger is cleared for outfield duties once again.

The Cubs’ other injuries

Speaking of the Cubs, the team has been dealing with a number of injuries besides their prized slugger’s. Another name who went down in April was outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who suffered a right oblique strain against the Seattle Mariners. Suzuki is scheduled for an upcoming Minor League rehab stint with Triple-A Iowa before he returns to the squad.

Starting pitchers Jordan Wicks and Kyle Hendricks are also placed on ILs. Wicks has been dealing with a left forearm strain while Hendricks is recovering from a lower back strain.

Additionally, a number of names in the bullpen are hurt as well. The Cubs are without Daniel Palencia (right shoulder strain), Drew Smyly (right hip impingement), Caleb Kilian (right shoulder strain) and Julian Merryweather (rib stress fracture).

Presently, the team has a 21-15 record — second in the NL Central division. They’ll look to add another win against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.