Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell introduced that outfielder Cody Bellinger goes to be activated from the injured checklist at present, relayed by Bruce Levine of 670 The Rating on X. The total slate of strikes was laid out by Madde Lee of the Chicago Solar-Occasions on X, with outfielder Alexander Canario optioned to Triple-A, whereas right-hander Daniel Palencia was positioned on the 15-day injured checklist on account of proper shoulder stiffness with fellow righty Keegan Thompson recalled to take his place. Moreover, outfielder Seiya Suzuki is happening a rehab project, taking part in with Triple-A Iowa tomorrow. Lee was amongst these to relay that on X.
Bellinger landed on the IL a few weeks in the past after colliding with the Wrigley Discipline wall and fracturing two ribs. Regardless of that scary prognosis, he’s made a fast return with out going out on a rehab project.
Previous to the harm, Bellinger had hit 5 house runs in his first 22 video games of the season. Regardless of a tiny .215 batting common on balls in play, he was nonetheless slashing .226/.320/.440 for a 107 wRC+. With the Cubs in 2023, he hit 26 homers and had a .307/.356/.525 batting line, which translated to a 134 wRC+.
The short return must be good for each the membership and for Bellinger personally. Assuming he finds a bit higher batted ball luck going ahead, his numbers this yr might transfer nearer to the place they have been final yr. That will naturally be good for the membership’s offense whereas additionally serving to set Bellinger up for this winter.
Regardless of his robust 2023 season, Bellinger by no means discovered a big contract to his liking. That was maybe not less than partially on account of his notable struggles in 2021 and 2022 within the aftermath of shoulder surgical procedure. He returned to the Cubs on a three-year take care of opt-outs after every season, permitting him to seize a bit of economic safety whereas additionally giving him the possibility to return to free company when he sees match.
One other prolonged harm layoff would have damage his probabilities at maximizing his incomes energy this coming winter, so the fast turnaround nonetheless provides him a shot at placing collectively an excellent stretch of high quality taking part in time between now and the tip of the yr.
Pete Crow-Armstrong got here up when Bellinger first obtained injured but it surely appears he’s sticking round for now. His protection is superb however he’s hitting simply .216/.231/.351 on the yr to date. Maybe he’ll stick in heart with Bellinger in a nook or within the designated hitter slot, with Mike Tauchman and Ian Happ additionally in that blend. However when Suzuki is able to come off the IL, maybe Crow-Armstrong will probably be optioned again down for normal taking part in time with Bellinger again within the common heart discipline function.
