The Chicago Cubs have lost a key piece of their lineup, as outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list with two fractured ribs, manager Craig Counsell announced Wednesday.
Bellinger, who re-signed with the Cubs for three years and $80 million this past offseason, has been one of the team’s best hitters this season, batting .226 with five homers and 17 RBIs.
The injury occurred during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. Bellinger was hit by a pitch in the third inning and was forced to leave the game.
A CT scan later revealed two cracked ribs on Bellinger’s right side. Counsell said there is no timetable for Bellinger’s return, but the injury could sideline him for weeks or even months.
The Cubs are calling up top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa to take Bellinger’s place on the roster. Crow-Armstrong, who is considered one of the best young players in baseball, made his major league debut last September and played in 13 games.
The Cubs are hoping that Crow-Armstrong can step in and fill the void left by Bellinger’s absence. The team is also expected to give more playing time to Matt Mervis, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.
