CINCINNATI — Cody Bellinger’s timeline to return from his fractured left middle finger was initially unclear.
There was a wide range of how long he might be out because of the nature of the injury, with the possibility Bellinger could be sidelined until early August. But after going through a rigorous workout Monday at Great American Ball Park, the Cubs activated Bellinger from the 10-day injured list before their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Bellinger went through a long hitting program Monday afternoon, played catch and then took on-field batting practice. A conversation among Bellinger, manager Craig Counsell and a team trainer followed with the roster move was announced shortly after.
Prior to the move, Counsell said Bellinger would be activated within days as the 29-year-old continued to move in the right direction. Bellinger missed 14 games after getting hit by a pitch on July 10, causing the fractured finger.
Isaac Paredes en route to team
The Cubs opened Monday’s series without their newest addition.
Third baseman Isaac Paredes, acquired from Tampa Bay on Sunday for third baseman Christopher Morel and two prospects, was expected to arrive in Cincinnati on Monday night, making Tuesday the soonest he will be in the lineup. His locker stall was already prepared in the visitors clubhouse Monday, with a fresh nameplate featuring No. 17, making him the first Cub to wear the number since Kris Bryant.
“The expectation is for him simply to be himself,” Counsell said. “He’s going to play third base. That’s what he was doing with Tampa, largely played some first base as well. But just be yourself. That’s led to a good season for him and that’s what we’re trying to get, that player that was in Tampa all year, trying to get him here in Chicago.”
Paredes won’t be walking into a completely foreign clubhouse. He was part of a Cubs international amateur free agent class in 2015 that included right-hander Javier Assad and catcher Miguel Amaya.
“I don’t know if that’s an advantage, necessarily, but it’s always nice to have some familiar faces,” Counsell said.
Adbert Alzolay’s return unknown
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay had been trending in a positive direction in his return from a flexor strain.
Alzolay, who has been on the injured list since May 13, made his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. He was supposed to have another outing Tuesday, however, he suffered a setback. Alzolay didn’t recover well after the outing and is heading to Chicago to be evaluated.
Alzolay, 29, was expected to be an important high-leverage bullpen piece this year. He struggled with his consistency and was moved out of save situations. In 18 games, Alzolay posted a 4.67 ERA.
