The New York Yankees have placed outfielder Cody Bellinger on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. This move comes as the team faces challenges with several key players sidelined. Bellinger’s absence is a notable blow to the Yankees’ defence, particularly as other offensive contributors are also unavailable.
To fill Bellinger’s spot on the roster, the Yankees have recalled outfielder Spencer Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Jones has been frequently called upon to join the major league squad when New York’s outfielders have been out of action. Bellinger was removed from Saturday’s game against the Phillies in the bottom of the eighth inning due to the hamstring issue.
Bellinger’s Injury and Performance
Bellinger experienced tightness in his hamstring while rounding first base after hitting a double in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 3-1 victory over the Phillies on Saturday night. Despite the discomfort, he initially downplayed the severity of the issue after the game, telling reporters that it felt “a little tight” and that he did not believe it was “anything too serious.” He remained on base for the remainder of the inning but was observed walking slowly off the field and into the clubhouse tunnel afterwards.
Max Schuemann replaced Bellinger in the bottom half of the eighth inning. Schuemann could see additional playing time in left field, particularly against left-handed pitchers, given his .906 OPS in a limited sample against southpaws.
This season, Bellinger has been a solid contributor for the Yankees, posting a 117 wRC+ in 430 plate appearances. He has also been recognized for his defensive prowess, tying for first in the league with Wilyer Abreu with 19 Defensive Runs Saved. Bellinger entered Saturday’s game with this defensive statistic, which was the highest in the majors. He was also named the MVP of the All-Star Game two weeks prior in Philadelphia.
Bellinger’s current season statistics include hitting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs across 102 games. Last season, in his debut with the Yankees, he achieved one of his healthiest campaigns, reaching 150 games and 650 plate appearances for the first time since his 2019 NL MVP year. After being traded to New York, he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 13 steals. He re-signed with the Yankees last winter on a five-year, $162.5 million deal. While he was hitting .280 through mid-June, his average dropped to .254 heading into the All-Star break, and he has not hit a home run in a month.
Yankees Roster Challenges
The Yankees are currently navigating a period with several key players on the injured list. In addition to Bellinger, slugger Aaron Judge has been out since May 31 due to a fractured rib. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has also been sidelined since April 24 with a strained right calf. These absences have impacted the team’s lineup.
The Yankees entered Sunday’s games trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 2½ games in the American League East standings. The team secured a tight victory in Philadelphia on Saturday and was set to play for a sweep on Sunday.
Other AL East Injury Updates
Elsewhere in the AL East, the Red Sox are expected to activate Ranger Suarez to start against the Blue Jays on Sunday. Suarez, a left-handed pitcher, was placed on the injured list in early July with a groin strain. His return was delayed earlier in the week due to an illness. As a result, fellow lefty Payton Tolle will now start on Monday against the Athletics.
For the Orioles, right-hander Chris Bassitt completed a bullpen session. Bassitt has been out since early June with back discomfort that eventually required surgery. Prior to his placement on the injured list, he had a 5.27 ERA over 12 appearances. The Orioles have also temporarily shut down catcher Samuel Basallo as he recovers from right shoulder inflammation. Basallo will pause his rehab work to allow his shoulder to “calm down.” This comes after the team lost both catchers within a few days, with Adley Rutschman also hitting the injured list last weekend with a wrist injury.
The Rays activated left-hander Steven Matz for their Saturday matchup against the Guardians. Right-handed pitcher Chris Roycroft was sent back to the minors. Matz had been out for exactly a month with an ankle sprain. He began the season in Tampa Bay’s rotation but lost his spot after recording a 5.48 ERA over 10 starts. His performance in the bullpen was also challenging, as he gave up nine earned runs over five relief outings.
The Yankees will look to manage Bellinger’s absence as they continue their season, with Spencer Jones joining the roster before Sunday night’s game in Philadelphia.
Source: mlbtraderumors.com
As CasinoNews's Sports News Writer, Mason Leclair reports on the CFL, golf and combat sports for readers across the country. He moved from regional papers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. Mason lives in Ottawa, where he follows the PGA Tour and mixed martial arts. “Get the facts down first, then add the context.”
