When is Cody Bellinger Coming Back - Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger got off to a slow start this year after signing late in the offseason. Bellinger was hitting just .167 with two home runs, 10 RBI, and one double in the first 14 games of the season. Then, the left-handed slugger started to get going at the plate and went 10-for-30 with three HRs and seven RBI over the next eight contests.

Unfortunately, though, Bellinger couldn't build on that stretch. That's because he injured his ribs against Wrigley Field's brick wall in the outfield a couple of days ago.

So, how serious is Bellinger's injury? When is he coming back? Let's dive in and find out.

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Cody Bellinger Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

It was not a great sign when Bellinger unexpectedly left the game on April 23 against the Houston Astros. The Cubs originally diagnosed the outfielder with a right rib contusion after X-rays were negative. However, an MRI the next day revealed two fractured ribs. 

As a result, Chicago immediately placed him on the 10-day injured list and recalled Pete Crow-Armstrong from Triple-A Iowa. Bellinger's fractured ribs definitely hurts his fantasy value, as he appears to be out for multiple weeks.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell gives provides an update on Cody Bellinger after the latest injury news ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/t8haTQfoI0

— Ryan Herrera (@ryan_a_herrera) April 24, 2024

While the team hasn't revealed a timeline for Bellinger's return, it is expected that he will be out for quite some time. Fractured ribs can take up to six weeks -- if not longer -- to fully heal.

Cody Bellinger Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Obviously, losing Bellinger is tough news for any fantasy manager at this point in the year. He was starting to heat up at the plate and now will miss an extended time. 

If you roster Bellinger, though, just slot him into one of your IL slots for the time being. The 28-year-old will be back eventually, so don't drop him by any means. When he does return, he'll go back to being a top outfield option for your fantasy team. Last year, he hit .307 with 26 HRs and 97 RBI across 130 games.

Cody Bellinger exited the game after this play.

(📸: @WatchMarquee) pic.twitter.com/RKwPc5P4Bi

— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 24, 2024

For those fantasy managers who don't own Bellinger, look to see if you can buy low on him. He wasn't exactly tearing it up at the plate with a .226 season average. So, if you have the IL room on your roster, try to acquire him while his value is this low. 

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