CINCINNATI — A day before the trade deadline, the Cubs are receiving a boost to their offense — internally.

The team activated outfielder Cody Bellinger from the 10-day IL prior to Monday’s series opener against the Reds. The Cubs had an open spot on their active roster after trading Christopher Morel to Tampa Bay with prospects Ty Johnson and Hunter Bigge for Isaac Paredes.

Bellinger had been out since July 11 and missed 14 games with a left middle finger fracture. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had said last week that it was a possibility that the Cubs could activate him during the road trip. Earlier Monday afternoon Bellinger hit on the field off a machine “for a really long time,” Counsell said.

A couple of hours before first pitch, Counsell added that Bellinger would throw and hit some more on the field. The plan, at the time was to assess where he was at after that.

“I think we’re looking at within days here,” Counsell said at the time.

Less than an hour later, the team had activated him from the IL and will be available off the bench for Counsell.

Bellinger originally suffered the fracture on July 10 against the Orioles when he was hit by a pitch from reliever Cionel Pérez.

His return is a welcome to the Cubs’ offense.

His 108 OPS+ ranks fourth on the team and his flexibility to play at first and center and right field give Counsell some flexibility in how he chooses to build out his lineup.

Complete Cubs trade deadline content:

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–Why the Cubs decided to trade Mark Leiter Jr. at the deadline
–A comprehensive look at the Cubs’ 2024 MLB trade deadline moves
–Mark Leiter Jr. shares heartfelt appreciation for Chicago in farewell post
–Cubs trade away Mark Leiter Jr. in deal with Yankees
–In a stunning move, Cubs deal away Christopher Morel in big trade with Rays
–Cubs Weekly Podcast: Breaking down the Cubs’ fascinating – and surprising – deadline moves
–Who is Isaac Paredes? The book on the new Cubs third baseman
–WATCH: Christopher Morel shares emotional farewell with teammates and coaches in Cubs dugout
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