The Chicago Cubs received disheartening news on Wednesday as one of their key players, Cody Bellinger, was sidelined due to a rib fracture, as reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman.
According to Heyman’s tweet, Cubs manager Craig Counsell disclosed that Bellinger sustained a fractured rib, prompting the call-up of Pete Crow-Armstrong to fill the void in the outfield.
Although Crow-Armstrong’s performance at Triple-A Iowa hasn’t been stellar this season, his skill set, including speed and a dependable glove, offers promise in replacing Bellinger.
Bellinger’s statistics leading up to the injury were not remarkable, with a batting average of .226, an on-base percentage of .320, and a slugging percentage of .440, resulting in a .760 OPS. Nonetheless, his contribution of five home runs and 17 RBI underscored his significance as one of the Cubs’ primary sluggers.
Recalling Bellinger’s impressive 2023 season, during which he achieved a .881 OPS, 26 home runs, and 97 RBI with the Cubs, highlights the impact of his absence on the team’s lineup.
Although there’s no specified timeline for Bellinger’s return, the nature of his rib fracture suggests a prolonged recovery period for the 28-year-old, particularly following his collision with the center field wall on Tuesday.
The Cubs will undoubtedly feel the void left by Bellinger’s absence, given the notable disparity between his performance and that of Crow-Armstrong. Nevertheless, fans remain hopeful for Bellinger’s eventual comeback, especially considering the team’s recent momentum, having won seven of their last ten games.
