Bellinger lands on IL with hamstring strain; Spencer Jones recalled - MLB.com
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 other significant absences from its lineup.
Bellinger experienced tightness in his hamstring while rounding first base during a double in the eighth inning of Saturday night’s 3-1 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite feeling the issue, he remained on base for the rest of the inning. However, he was observed walking off slowly and heading to the clubhouse tunnel after the play. Max Schuemann replaced Bellinger in the bottom half of that inning.
Following the game, Bellinger downplayed the severity of the issue, telling reporters that it felt “a little tight” and that he did not believe it was “anything too serious.” He was scheduled to undergo further testing.
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 other New York outfielders have been sidelined. Schuemann, who replaced Bellinger on Saturday, could also see increased playing time in left field, particularly against left-handed pitchers, given his .906 OPS in a limited sample against southpaws.
Impact on the Yankees
Bellinger’s injury is a significant blow to the Yankees’ defence. He entered Saturday’s game tied for the most defensive runs saved in the majors, with 19. He was also named the All-Star Game MVP two weeks prior in Philadelphia.
This season, Bellinger has a batting average of .259, with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games. He had been hitting .280 through mid-June before his average dropped to .254 leading into the All-Star break. He has not hit a home run in a month.
Last season, Bellinger 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 stolen bases. This year, he has continued to be a solid contributor, posting a 117 wRC+ in 430 plate appearances.
The Yankees are currently without several key players. Slugger Aaron Judge has been out since May 31 due to a fractured rib, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has been sidelined since April 24 with a strained right calf. As of Sunday, the Yankees were 2½ games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.
Other AL East Developments
In other news from around the AL East, the Red Sox are expected to activate Ranger Suarez to start against the Blue Jays on Sunday. Suarez had been on the injured list since early July with a groin strain, and an illness had previously delayed his return. Fellow lefty Payton Tolle will now start on Monday against the Athletics.
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt completed a bullpen session. Bassitt has been out since early June with back discomfort that required surgery. Prior to his injured list placement, he had a 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances.
The Orioles have also temporarily shut down catcher Samuel Basallo as he recovers from right shoulder inflammation. His rehab work has been paused to allow the shoulder to “calm down.” This comes after the team lost both catchers, with Adley Rutschman also hitting the injured list last weekend due to a wrist injury.
The Tampa Bay Rays activated left-hander Steven Matz for Saturday’s game against the Guardians. Righty Chris Roycroft was sent back to the minors. Matz missed exactly a month with an ankle sprain. He began the season in Tampa Bay’s rotation but lost his spot after posting a 5.48 ERA over 10 starts. His performance worsened in the bullpen, where he gave up nine earned runs over five relief outings.
Bellinger re-signed with the Yankees last winter on a five-year, $162.5 million deal.
Source: mlbtraderumors.com
