Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger exited Monday’s game after injuring his left knee on a spectacular catch at the wall in the 7th inning.
By video, Bellinger likely suffered a knee hyperextension when he landed awkwardly from his jump, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.
He will undergo an MRI, which hopefully will not show an associated bone bruise. If he does have a bone bruise, he will miss at least two weeks and could miss up to a month, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.
Damage to his ACL is also a slight possibility, but a bone bruise is more likely given the injury mechanism.
Bellinger exited the game immediately and was walking with a slight limp to the dugout.
After the game, manager David Ross said the initial check did not find any damage to his ligaments. However, team orthopedists don’t travel with the team during the regular season and he will not receive an official diagnosis until he travels back to Chicago from Houston or receives an MRI in Houston.
The former Dodger is off to a hot start with the Cubs, with a .271/.337/.493 line and 7 home runs in 37 games.
Bellinger signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract to join Chicago this season. He and the team have a mutual option next offseason.
If he misses time, Christopher Morel would likely see more time in center field. Morel, 23, is hitting .346 in six games with the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs World Series Odds 2023
The Cubs, 19-22, are currently +6000 to win the World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
They are +450 to win the division, trailing the Brewers at -130 and Cardinals at +270.
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