Chicago Cubs star Cody Bellinger left Tuesday’s game against the Houston Astros prematurely due to a right rib contusion. The injury occurred when Bellinger collided with the outfield wall while chasing a fly ball in the fourth inning.
Entering the game with a seven-game hitting streak, Bellinger continued his impressive form early on by launching a towering two-run homer in the first inning, extending his streak to eight games and giving the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
In the fourth inning, Bellinger attempted to make a play on a fly ball hit by Yainer Diaz to the left-center alley. However, his collision with the brick and ivy-covered wall prevented him from making the catch and led to the injury. Notably, since it was still April, the ivy hadn’t fully grown out yet, making the wall even more unforgiving for outfielders. As a result, any collision with the wall during the early part of the season is particularly painful.
Later in the game, during the Marquee Sports Network broadcast, Bellinger was seen stretching out his right side and upper back after being removed from the game. In the seventh inning, Alexander Canario replaced Bellinger in the lineup and took over as the new right fielder, shifting Mike Tauchman to center field.
Despite the collision with the wall earlier in the game, Bellinger managed to remain in the game for a few additional innings. Furthermore, x-rays showed no signs of any fractures.
“It’s a dull pain, even now,” Bellinger commented on his injury. “That’s a positive sign. Initially, I didn’t feel anything… We’ll need to assess the condition of the wall first.”
