Three-time All-Star Cody Bellinger is officially rejoining the New York Yankees lineup this Sunday, a massive boost for a team that has been hit hard by injuries all season. Bellinger told reporters Saturday in the Bronx that he is “very excited” and feels “good,” adding the crucial words, “I’m ready to go.” His activation for the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays marks his first outing with the Yankees since a nasty Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring on July 25.
The Hamstring Hustle is Over
That hamstring strain came while Bellinger was running the bases after crushing a double in the eighth inning of a road victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. Talk about a gut punch. Now, though, the grind is over. He just wrapped his second minor league rehab game for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, playing left field on Friday even though he went hitless. The day before, he notched a single as the designated hitter. Yankees manager Aaron Boone originally said Bellinger, 31, would miss four to six weeks, and if he takes the field Sunday, it will have been just over four weeks. Right on schedule, and right when the Yankees need him most.
All-Star MVP Returns to a Banged-Up Lineup
Bellinger’s return could not come at a better time. The Yankees’ season has felt like a game of Whac-A-Mole with injuries, especially to their sluggers. Aaron Judge is still working his way back from a stress fracture in his ribs, and Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with a new calf injury that could jeopardize his entire 2026 campaign. Bellinger, this year’s All-Star Game MVP, is slashing .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs and 53 RBI. In his second season with the Yankees, six years removed from winning it all with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger knows the score. He’s trying to help Boone’s squad make a serious push for that AL East title and the franchise’s first World Series ring since 2009. His goal? To “come in, help the team win as much as I can and play my best ball.” You know he means it.
Keep an eye on Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays. With Bellinger back and ready to contribute, the Yankees just got a whole lot more dangerous as they chase that AL East crown.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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