Cody Bellinger just hit the 10-day IL with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and that means four to six weeks on the shelf for the Yankees. This isn’t just a minor tweak either; the guy felt tightness rounding first on a double during Saturday’s 3-1 win in Philly, and after more tests on Monday, the damage is confirmed. This is a huge blow for a team already navigating a minefield of injuries.
Another Star Down in New York
Bellinger’s exit is brutal, especially since he’s been putting in work this season, batting .259 with 11 homers and 53 RBIs in 102 games. Let’s not forget, the dude was the MVP of the All-Star Game just a couple of weeks ago! He re-signed last winter for $162.5 million over five years, so losing him for this stretch hurts. Manager Aaron Boone tried to sound positive before the series opener against the White Sox, saying, “So the good thing is he’s obviously able to move around right now. So we’ll continue to do that and just allow this thing to heal and get him right.” But moving around isn’t playing center field, is it? Max Schuemann got the start in left, Spencer Jones got called up from Triple-A and was in center, and Jasson Dominguez rounded out the outfield. These guys have big shoes to fill.
Injury Woes and Trade Deadline Buzz
This Bellinger news drops like a lead balloon on an already banged-up Yankees squad. They’re still without reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, who’s been sidelined since May 31 with a fractured rib, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, out since April 24 with a strained right calf. Ouch. Going into Monday’s games, the Yanks were already three games behind the AL East-leading Tampa Bay. Boone put it bluntly, “We’ve had some tough injuries to some really important people. But again, that is part of it. As I say, the season waits for no one.” Even with the MLB trade deadline next week, Boone’s downplaying Bellinger’s injury affecting their strategy. He said they’ve been working on trade deadline stuff for weeks, adding, “I expect them to try and do all they can to improve our team, but again, you never know how that’s going to shake out.” Sounds like they know they need to make moves regardless.
It’s not all doom and gloom on the injury front, though. Judge and Stanton are with the team in Chicago, and Stanton is apparently progressing with his running. Boone noted, “The strength stuff, explosive stuff he’s doing in the weight room has been very good. So we just got to get him up to a level obviously on the running side of things to be able to go out there.” Plus, left-hander Carlos Rodon, who’s dealing with elbow inflammation, and right-hander Clarke Schmidt, returning from Tommy John surgery a year ago, are both expected to throw this week. The Yankees need every able body they can get to catch Tampa Bay. They’re kicking off a four-game series against the White Sox, and with the trade deadline looming, every game matters.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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