Chicago Cubs News: Cody Bellinger lands on IL amidst building trade rumors

The Chicago Cubs will be without center fielder Cody Bellinger for some time. Bellinger left Wednesday's victory against the Baltimore Orioles after being hit by a pitch in the left hand.

Further testing on Thursday revealed that Bellinger suffered a broken middle finger on his left hand and the Cubs have consequently placed him on the 10-day IL.

With the MLB All-Star break next week, the Cubs do get a break in the sense that Bellinger will have a week's worth of recovery while not missing any games. Of course, it would seem more likely that Bellinger will be out beyond the designated 10 days.

Of course, Bellinger's injury comes at pivotal moment of the Cubs' season.

The Cubs have won five of their last six games and entering play on Thursday, the team is getting closer to being within shouting distance fo the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central. The Cubs are 10 games back of the Brewers in the divison but their recent stretch of games have brought them within 3.5 games of the final Wild Card spot in the National League.

Cody Bellinger's injury could not have come at a worse time.

While Bellinger's slugging has been down this season, he still has a 109 wRC+. If the Cubs are going to climb back into the race, the team will need to find a way to overcome Bellinger's absence in a starting lineup that has struggled for a large part of the season.

There are also implications for Bellinger and the Cubs regarding the Trade Deadline. While interest was increasing in Bellinger across the league, there were mixed assessments of his value, given that his contract with the Cubs includes two player options over the next two seasons. With the injury, the chances of Bellinger being moved may be all but diminished.

If there is a silver lining to Bellinger's injury, it's that Alexander Canario may finally get a run at regular playing time at the Major League level. Through 25 spaced-out plate appearances at the Major League level earlier this season, Canario compiled a 134 wRC+. For a Cubs' lineup that has lacked consistent power this season, Canario has the chance to provide a spark.