The New York Yankees have placed all-star outfielder Cody Bellinger on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. This move impacts the team’s defensive lineup, which is already without several key offensive players.
To fill Bellinger’s roster spot, the Yankees recalled outfielder Spencer Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre prior to Sunday night’s game in Philadelphia. Bellinger’s injury occurred during Saturday night’s 3-1 victory over the Phillies, where he experienced tightness in his hamstring while rounding first base on a double in the eighth inning.
Despite the discomfort, Bellinger initially waved off manager Aaron Boone and remained on base for the remainder of the inning. However, he was observed walking off slowly and heading to the clubhouse tunnel after the play. Max Schuemann subsequently replaced Bellinger in the bottom half of that inning.
Impact on the Yankees’ Roster
Bellinger’s placement on the injured list adds to a series of significant absences for the Yankees. Slugger Aaron Judge has been out of action since May 31 due to a fractured rib. Additionally, designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton continues to be sidelined with a strained right calf, an injury that has kept him off the field since April 24.
Before Sunday’s game, the Yankees were trailing Tampa Bay by 2 1/2 games in the AL East standings. Bellinger has been a consistent contributor for the team this season, batting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs across 102 games. His defensive prowess has also been notable, as he entered Saturday’s game with 19 defensive runs saved, which was the highest in the major leagues.
Just two weeks prior to this injury, Bellinger was named the MVP of the All-Star Game, which was held in Philadelphia. He re-signed with the Yankees last winter on a US$162.5-million, five-year deal, and has been considered a crucial part of the team’s offensive strategy.
Bellinger’s Performance and Previous Health
Bellinger’s batting average stood at .280 through mid-June before a recent slump caused it to drop to .254 heading into the All-Star break. He has not hit a home run in a month. After Saturday’s game, Bellinger downplayed the severity of his hamstring issue, telling reporters that it felt “a little tight” and he did not believe it was “anything too serious.”
The injury occurred after Bellinger had already recorded his second hit of the game, an RBI single in the sixth inning that gave the Yankees the lead. The team went on to win the tight matchup against the Phillies and was aiming for a sweep in the series on Sunday.
Last season, Bellinger completed one of his healthiest campaigns since his 2019 NL MVP year, reaching 150 games and 650 plate appearances in his debut with the Yankees. He posted a .272 batting average with 29 home runs and 13 stolen bases after being traded to New York. This year, he has continued to be a solid contributor, achieving a 117 wRC+ in 430 plate appearances and ranking among the most valuable defenders at any position, tied for first in the league with Wilyer Abreu in defensive runs saved.
In other news from around the AL East, the Red Sox are expected to activate Ranger Suarez to start on Sunday against the Blue Jays. Suarez had been on the injured list since early July with a groin strain. His return was delayed earlier in the week due to an illness, which will result in fellow lefty Payton Tolle being moved to Monday’s game against the Athletics.
Meanwhile, Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt completed a bullpen session, as confirmed by manager Craig Albernaz before Saturday’s game. Bassitt has been sidelined since early June with back discomfort that eventually required surgery. Prior to his placement on the injured list, Bassitt had a 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances. The Orioles have also temporarily shut down catcher Samuel Basallo due to right shoulder inflammation, pausing his rehab work to allow his shoulder to recover. This follows the loss of Adley Rutschman, who hit the injured list last weekend with a wrist injury.
The Rays activated left-hander Steven Matz for Saturday’s game against the Guardians, sending righty Chris Roycroft back to the minors. Matz had missed 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 worsened in the bullpen, where he gave up nine earned runs over five relief outings.
Source: theglobeandmail.com
