(670 The Score) The Cubs on Thursday activated outfielder Cody Bellinger from the injured list and optioned first baseman Matt Mervis to Triple-A Iowa.
Bellinger had been sidelined since May 15 by a left knee contusion, which he suffered while making a spectacular catch at the wall in Houston. Bellinger is hitting .271 with seven homers, 20 RBIs and an .830 OPS in 37 games this season.
In an effort to ease Bellinger back in, the Cubs plan to use him at first base often. That helped inform the demotion of Mervis, who was hitting .167 with three homers, 11 RBIs and a .531 OPS in 27 games. He made his MLB debut on May 5.
The Cubs (30-37) host the NL Central-leading Pirates (34-32) on Thursday at Wrigley Field. Chicago is 4.5 games back of the division lead. Pregame coverage on 670 The Score starts at 6:30 p.m.
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