Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger was removed from Monday’s road loss to the Astros after suffering a left knee injury following a spectacular late-game defensive play.
With Houston up, 6-4, in the bottom of the seventh inning, All-Star Kyle Tucker looked to boost the lead after blasting the first pitch of his at-bat toward the right-center field wall. Bellinger tracked Tucker’s fly ball and leapt into the air for a sensational catch at the wall to secure the final out of the inning.
Shortly after landing, Bellinger’s left knee appeared to buckle, causing him to awkwardly fall to the ground. Cubs teammate Seiya Suzuki called for the training staff to check on Bellinger, who needed assistance as he walked back to the dugout.
The scary crash and Bellinger’s subsequent exit forced the Cubs to replace the two-time All-Star with utility man Miles Mastrobuoni. While the initial injury appeared concerning, however, Cubs manager David Ross didn’t seem too worried after the game, telling reporters Bellinger will be re-evaluated Tuesday after describing his injury as “nothing major.”
“We’ll see how he presents in the morning but, all the checks the doc did, ligaments and things, seem to be O.K,” he added.
Bellinger later echoed Ross’s sentiments about his status. ”You think of the worst case situation right away, but it’s definitely not that, which is nice,” he said, per Cubs reporter Jordan Bastian.
Cody Bellinger left Monday's game for the Cubs following this catch at the wall.
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It remains unknown if Bellinger will miss time, though any hiatus would be tough for the 27-year-old given his solid start to the year. He’s slashing .271/.337/.493 with seven home runs, 20 RBIs and nine doubles in 37 games; against Houston, the veteran outfielder went 1-for-3 prior to exiting.
