On Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs received devastating injury updates. Cody Bellinger, one of their top players, was put on the injured list due to a rib fracture, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman. “Cody Bellinger has a fractured rib and Pete Crow-Armstrong has been called up,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell informed @670TheScore, Heyman tweeted.
Cody Bellinger has a fractured rib and Pete Crow-Armstrong has been called up, Cubs manager Craig Counsell tells @670TheScore
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 24, 2024
Crow-Armstrong’s performance at Triple-A Iowa hadn’t been stellar, but he brings potential, speed, and a solid glove to fill in for Bellinger in the outfield.
Bellinger’s stats up to this point weren’t outstanding: he had a batting average of .226, an on-base percentage of .320, and a slugging percentage of .440, resulting in a .760 OPS. Despite this, he had managed to hit five home runs and drive in 17 runs, establishing himself as one of the Cubs’ key power hitters.
Let’s not overlook his impressive 2023 season, where he posted an OPS of .881, hit 26 home runs, and racked up 97 RBIs with the Cubs.
There’s no set timetable for Bellinger’s return, but given the nature of his rib fracture, it’s likely he’ll be sidelined for a considerable period, especially considering he’s 28 years old.
The injury occurred when he collided with the center field wall on Tuesday.
Bellinger’s absence will be keenly felt by the Cubs, as there’s a significant drop-off in performance between him and Crow-Armstrong.
However, it’s expected that he will make a comeback at some point during this season, and Cubs fans will be sending their support his way.
Just when the Cubs were on a hot streak, winning seven of their last ten games, they receive news that they’ll be missing one of their star players for weeks.
