Every piece of news about the Chicago Cubs seems to involve an injury. Unfortunately, that’s because injuries appear to be hitting about as often as the team wins: fortunately/unfortunately, a lot. Despite the blows this team keeps taking, the Cubs remain focused and ready to win.
Cody Bellinger was one of the most significant blows to the season to date. He went on the injured list this past week after a collision with the center-field bricks at Wrigley. An x-ray report revealed he suffered two fractured ribs due to the run-in. The timetable for his return has been unknown.
Bellinger joined a long list of players who have had to give up their roster spots due to injury. Justin Steele, Julian Merryweather, and Seiya Suzuki are currently on there with him. Starting pitcher Jordan Wicks also just joined them with forearm tightness.
Fractured ribs are nothing to take lightly. It’s an injury that can linger and take a long time to heal if rushed back into action. Cubs Manager Craig Counsell made it clear there are no expectations or timetable for Bellinger’s return to playing. However, Sunday brought us a glimpse into what good injury news looks like regarding his progress.
Cody Bellinger Played Catch, Hit Off Tee On Sunday
Reporting from Fenway Park in Boston for the Cubs’ series finale against the Red Sox, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times tweeted out a video of Cody Bellinger playing catch in the outfield. She also said Bellinger hit some baseballs off a tee in the batting cage. There is still no timetable for Bellinger’s return. However, the fact that he’s taking some light reps is terrific news.
The Cubs are still far from out of the woods and will remain cautious with Bellinger. There’s a long way to go before he hits live pitching and probably joins a minor-league roster for a rehab start or two. But Bellinger getting in some activity just a week after the injury is wonderful news for his progress.
In Bellinger’s and Seiya Suzuki’s absences, Mike Tauchman, Alexander Canario, and Pete Crow-Armstrong have done a great job filling in and keeping the Cubs afloat. When they inevitably come back, their spots as starters are plenty safe. The Cubs will have plenty of decisions about who stays up and who goes down, but Bellinger and Suzuki will almost certainly be in the starting lineup.
