Bellinger Makes Return to Chicago Cubs on Thursday

Cody Bellinger played two injury rehab games and he's now back in Chicago and active for Thursday's game.

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger was seen arriving at Wrigley Field on Thursday and shortly afterward the Cubs announced that he would be activated from the 10-day injured list. 

In a corresponding move, the Cubs sent Matt Mervis to Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs are set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a series finale at 7:05 p.m.

Bellinger played two rehab games with Triple-A Iowa, a stint that started on Tuesday against Indianapolis.

He went 1-for-4 with an RBI on Wednesday in a game the Cubs won, 8-1. He played the entire game, batted third and played first base.

On Tuesday he went hitless in three at-bats, played first base and was removed from the game late as they were working on ramping up his workload.

Bellinger, who has been on the 10-day injured list since May 19 with a left knee contusion, is eligible to be activated when ready. The Cubs have missed his offense, as he was slashing .271/.337/.493/.830 with seven home runs and 20 RBI before the injury.

Bellinger joined the Cubs as a free agent this offseason after the Los Angeles Dodgers decided not to tender a contract the former National League Rookie of the Year and National League MVP. His offense had taken a downturn thanks in part to injuries.

Bellinger’s 2019 season was his high mark and his MVP season. He batted .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBI.

The following season, the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, Bellinger batted .239 with 12 home runs and 30 RBI. But he and the Dodgers won the World Series.

Since then? Bellinger’s production has plummeted. In 2021, he batted .165 in 95 games, a season shortened by a myriad of injuries. He hit 10 home runs and drove in 39 runs.

Bellinger was healthy last season but the struggles at the plate persisted, as he batted .210 with 19 home runs and 68 RBI.