Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, previously seen as a potential trade asset approaching the MLB trade deadline later this month, now faces the prospect of being sidelined due to a hand injury sustained from being hit by a pitch during Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Bellinger was struck on the hand by a fastball clocked at 97 miles per hour during the seventh inning, forcing him to exit the game.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that the Cubs are summoning outfielder Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa, suggesting Bellinger may be bound for the injured list.
The Cubs, currently holding a 44-49 record this season as of Thursday night, seem poised to sell assets by the trade deadline.
Bellinger, who can opt for early termination after this season, appeared likely to be a candidate for trade to a contender.
This year, Bellinger, approaching 29 years old, has recorded nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and a .269 batting average across 312 at-bats.
Alexander Canario, aged 24, holds a batting line of .238/.330/.502 with 16 home runs over 59 games for the Iowa Cubs this season.
A right-handed hitter, Canario has had limited opportunities in the majors, appearing in 13 games this year where he has gone 6-for-22 at bat. However, he has shown a tendency to strike out frequently, accumulating 11 strikeouts in 25 plate appearances during his earlier stint in 2024.
