I was hoping we would get a little more in the way of detail on Cody Bellinger as soon as today, but instead we got only a very small update. It’s informative, though.
Bellinger is definitely going to do a rehab assignment at some point before he returns:
It was always a bit odd to even hint at Bellinger coming back, after nearly a month away from game action, without seeing live pitches in a game setting. Of course he was going to have to play at least a couple minor league games. Here’s hoping that comes soon.
Meanwhile, Codi Heuer, who is already on a rehab assignment, is going to be continuing it:
Physically, Heuer is back. His surgery was almost 15 months ago, and he’s been clocked in the upper-90s in his Iowa appearances. So the arm is there, in terms of the physical recovery. But as Bastian notes, it’s the command that apparently still needs work, and sometimes that’s the last piece to come back after Tommy John surgery. I know we all want Heuer back ASAP – the Cubs undoubtedly do, too – but it doesn’t do anyone any good for Heuer to come back and struggle immediately. Hopefully he won’t need TOO much longer to get locked in with his mechanics.
Lastly, Brad Boxberger is about to throw a bullpen: