Cody Bellinger was playing well before he got injured. His return gave the Cubs a big lift. Bellinger hit a home run and got three hits to help Chicago win 3-2 against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. He had been out for two weeks because of broken ribs.
“It was a good start for me,” he said. “I didn’t expect to get three hits right away, but I felt like I was in a good place before I got hurt. I just wanted to keep that going.”
Bellinger batted third and was the designated hitter in his first game since April 23. He got hurt when he ran into the center field wall at Wrigley Field while trying to make a play against the Houston Astros.
It was a great comeback for Bellinger. He has been hitting well lately, getting at least one hit in nine games in a row and making 13 hits in total during that time.
Bellinger got the fans excited when he hit a home run in the fourth inning against Randy Vásquez. He hit a 3-2 pitch to the right-field bleachers for his sixth home run of the season. He also got two singles.
“Having your best players in the lineup is important,” said manager Craig Counsell before the game. “Having Cody back is a step in the right direction. We’re happy to have him back. He’s a really good hitter in this league. He might need a little time to get back in the groove, but we’re confident he’ll do well.”
The Cubs had some changes in their lineup. Right-handed pitcher Daniel Palencia went on the 15-day injured list because of a strained right shoulder. They brought up right-hander Keegan Thompson from Triple-A Iowa and sent outfielder Alexander Canario to the minor league club.
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who had a strained right oblique, was going to Iowa to play on Wednesday and Thursday. He might be back this weekend at Pittsburgh, which would give the Cubs another strong hitter. Suzuki hasn’t played since April 14.
Bellinger was ready to play again, although he still felt some pain. He felt good enough to return after facing live pitching on Monday.
“It was tough watching from the sidelines,” Bellinger said. “I’m happy to be back and ready to play again.” Bellinger was going to be the designated hitter on Tuesday and maybe Wednesday. After that, they would decide if he’s ready to play in the field.
Bellinger, who is 28 years old, has been hitting .250 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. Last year, his first with the Cubs, he hit .307 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. He signed a $80 million, three-year contract with Chicago in February.
