Cubs' Cody Bellinger: Could return during Padres series

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Bellinger (ribs) could be activated from the 10-day injured list at some point during the team's current series versus the Padres, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Bellinger did some hitting and defensive work Monday, and Counsell noted that the outfielder won't require a rehab assignment before returning from the IL. His activation would appear to be imminent, though Bellinger won't be available for Monday's series opener. Bellinger has been on the shelf for nearly two weeks with a fracture in his right ribcage, resulting in Pete Crow-Armstrong taking hold of an everyday role in center field.