Alexander Canario Heading to Baltimore as Cubs Await News on Cody Bellinger’s Finger

As reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Alexander Canario is heading to Baltimore ahead of the Cubs’ series finale against the Orioles. This could just be precautionary, like when Luis Vázquez was in St. Petersburg when Nico Hoerner was nicked up against the Rays, but it’s also possible Bellinger will miss time after being hit by a pitch on the left middle finger Wednesday night. He left the game because he was unable to grip and throw a ball properly, and the Cubs said he was due for additional testing to determine the severity of the issue.

Update: Bellinger has been placed on the 10-day IL with a left middle finger fracture. He came back relatively quickly from a pair of cracked ribs earlier in the season, so maybe this will be nominal.

A brief absence wouldn’t necessarily hurt the Cubs much, as Canario has put up solid numbers in the minors and has excelled in limited MLB action. With Bellinger producing barely above league-average at the plate, a replacement might even yield a temporary bump. But should the Cubs look to sell, or at least try to get out from under Bellinger’s next two player-option years, a significant injury would be damning.

More on this as it becomes available.