Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger exited Monday's series-opening game on the road against the Houston Astros due to a scary knee injury. However, it appears that he's avoided a serious physical issue, as evidenced by the fact that the Cubs have not placed him on the injured list.

Cubs manager David Ross even said that it is possible that Cody Bellinger will be inserted into Tuesday night's game versus the Astros.

“I’m gonna play him if he feels like playing,” Ross said about Cody Bellinger ahead of the date with the Astros, per Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

The optimism showed by Ross on Bellinger echoed his earlier sentiment about the player's status.

Article Continues Below
Related Chicago Cubs News
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a sacrifice ground out RBI during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field.
Cubs rumors: Ken Rosenthal sends stern contract warning to Pete Crow-ArmstrongChristopher Hennessy ·
Cubs news: Shota Imanaga injury update making fans impatient
Cubs’ Shota Imanaga injury update making fans impatientChris Spiering ·
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw (6) celebrates with center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) after hitting a walk-off single during the eleventh inning against the Colorado Rockies.
Cubs’ Matt Shaw delivers walk-off as team stays hot vs. RockiesJosh Davis ·
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after hitting a two-run single in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong draws $140 million contract predictionZachary Howell ·
Chicago Cubs catcher Reese McGuire (20) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Unexpected Cubs hero emerges vs. Reds right after call-upAlex House ·
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) hits a double in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s adjustment for the Cubs that launched potential All-Star seasonSteve Silverman ·

“Doc checked him out — nothing major,” Ross said after the Cubs' 6-4 loss to Houston in Game 1 of the three-game series (h/t ESPN). “We’ll see how he wakes up in the morning. He’s icing it now … but all the checks the doc did, ligaments and things seem to be OK.”

Bellinger hurt his knee after completing a highlight defensive play in the outfield to rob Astros All-Star Kyle Tucker of a hit to end the seventh inning. Before leaving the contest, Cody Bellinger had gone 1-for-3 at the plate with a run scored as well.

With Bellinger not starting for the Cubs in Game 2 against the Astros, Chicago will have Christopher Morel on the field in his lieu.

Cody Bellinger, who inked a one-year deal worth $17.5 million with the Cubs last December, is slashing .271/.337/.493 so far in the 2023 MLB regular season to go with seven home runs and 20 RBI.