Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell provided an update to reporters on Monday regarding the condition of several injured players, including center fielder Cody Bellinger.
Bellinger, who is currently on the injured list due to two right rib fractures, engaged in running the bases and other baseball-related exercises as part of his preparation to return. The question now is when he will be ready to play.
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According to the Chicago Tribune, Counsell indicated that Bellinger could potentially return to the lineup for the team’s upcoming road trip against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which commences on Friday. If this happens, it would mean Bellinger skips a rehab assignment, barring any setbacks.
Bellinger sustained his rib injuries when he collided with the wall at Wrigley Field on April 23 during a game against the Houston Astros while chasing a foul ball. He exited the game a few innings later due to discomfort on his right side.
Initially, no significant damage was detected during testing. However, an MRI the following day revealed the fractures, leading the Cubs to place him on the 15-day injured list.
The target has always been for Bellinger to rejoin the team around mid-May, so being activated for the road trip, which also includes games in Atlanta next week, would be slightly ahead of schedule.
Bellinger’s batting average currently stands at .226. Prior to the injury, he was batting .346 with a .433 on-base percentage and .769 slugging percentage in his previous seven games. During that stretch, he hit three home runs, had seven RBIs, drew four walks, and scored five runs.
Regarding outfielder Seiya Suzuki, Counsell mentioned that Suzuki will require a rehab assignment before he can be activated. Suzuki also participated in running bases and other baseball activities as he continues to recover from a right oblique strain suffered on April 14 against the Seattle Mariners.
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