Cody Bellinger is ready to roll. The New York Yankees expect to see him back in the lineup as early as Sunday. This news drops right after a rough four-week stretch where the team lost key bats. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the plan following a rehab game on Thursday. The outfielder felt fine during that first step back to action.
Rehab Steps Went Smoothly
Bellinger didn’t rush this process. He started as a designated hitter on Thursday and went 1-for-3. He then played six innings in left field for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday. He struck out once and went 0-for-3 in that game. But the manager says no issues arose from the work. The plan was always to give him an off day on Saturday. Then he would be an option for the final series against the Blue Jays.
This return happens faster than expected. The injury was a Grade II hamstring strain. He will return on the early side of that window. The Yankees have been hurt by injuries to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Now Ryan McMahon is out too with a thumb sprain. A return for Bellinger brings a much-needed bat to the roster. The team needs all the help it can get right now.
Roster Spot for Bellinger
The team faced a tough choice on who to send down. Both Spencer Jones and Amed Rosario were in danger of losing their spot. But the moves made on Friday changed the math. McMahon hit the injured list on Friday. Max Schuemann was recalled to take his place. Schuemann is now the most likely victim of the roster crunch. Boone hinted at this when asked about bringing up Anthony Volpe. The manager said Volpe was “in the conversation” but cited Schuemann’s defensive flexibility. The impending return of Bellinger also explained the move.
The club didn’t mind altering Schuemann’s routine for just a few days. They might have minded bringing up Volpe who is learning second base. Volpe is still working with SWB and might not be ready for just a weekend. This shows the Yankees value the immediate return of Bellinger over long-term development. They need the lineup to click right now. The decision was clear and fast.
Winning While Waiting
The team kept winning while waiting for Bellinger. Brent Headrick pitched the seventh inning well. He allowed a two-out triple but struck out George Springer to escape. Paul Blackburn also pitched around a one-out double to Jesús Sánchez. Boone said the setup men who have emerged are significant pieces. He called their work “awesome.”
Austin Wells caught nine innings on Thursday and sat out Friday. He pinch hit and flew out in the seventh. The Yankees also signed righty Eli Morgan to a minor league deal. Morgan was designated for assignment by the Royals last week. Now the roster is set for the return. Bellinger’s return gives the team a boost at a critical time. The Blue Jays series finale in the Bronx awaits.
