The Chicago Cubs have been dealt another blow as outfielder Cody Bellinger is sidelined due to two fractured ribs on his right side, further depleting the team’s roster.
Bellinger sustained the injury during Tuesday night’s game against the Houston Astros when he collided with the center-field wall while attempting to make a play on Yainer Diaz’s RBI double in the fourth inning.
Cody Bellinger has a fractured rib pic.twitter.com/IFe1z6dqx6
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 24, 2024
Despite initially downplaying the severity of the injury after the game, Bellinger underwent a CT scan on Wednesday morning, revealing the fractures.
Manager Craig Counsell provided insight into Bellinger’s initial reaction to the injury, stating, “He woke up feeling good. He was encouraged how he woke up feeling and he was like, ‘I think I kind of dodged something,’ was his words, actually. And unfortunately it just revealed what’s there.”
The Cubs have yet to establish a timeline for Bellinger’s return to the lineup. Counsell emphasized that Bellinger must first become symptom-free before any definitive plans can be made regarding his rehabilitation process.
With Bellinger placed on the 10-day injured list, the Cubs have recalled Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa to fill the void in the outfield.
Despite being touted as one of the organization’s top prospects, Crow-Armstrong has struggled in his recent minor league outings, batting just .203 with 24 strikeouts in his first 19 games of the season.
The absence of Bellinger adds to the Cubs’ mounting injury concerns this season, as they strive to navigate through a challenging stretch without key players in their lineup.
