Cubs' Cody Bellinger off IL, back for first game since May 15

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs activated slugger Cody Bellinger from the 10-day injured list before Thursday's game with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bellinger was in the lineup, batting sixth and playing first base in his first game since May 15 in Houston when he suffered a bruised left knee. The 2019 NL MVP was batting .271 with seven homers and 20 RBIs when he was injured.

The Cubs optioned infielder Matt Mervis to Triple-Iowa to make room for Bellinger.

Although he has won a Gold Glove in the outfield, Bellinger is expected to ease back at first base, where he has already played 262 times in the majors. The two-time All-Star called his injury "a pretty big bone bruise," a condition that can take…