The New York Yankees prepared for the final game of their series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday with an encouraging update on a key outfielder who has been sidelined for weeks.
Manager Aaron Boone shared the latest on Cody Bellinger before the 1:37 p.m. EDT contest at Rogers Centre. Bellinger has been on the injured list since late July after suffering a left hamstring strain.
The Blue Jays took the first two games of the set, winning 3-1 on Friday and 4-1 on Saturday. New York entered the day looking to avoid a sweep while dealing with multiple absences in the lineup.
Boone indicated progress in Bellinger’s recovery. According to reports from the manager’s comments, the outfielder is on track to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon.
“Cody Bellinger is expected to start a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Tuesday, Aaron Boone said. He could be active by the weekend,” New York Daily News reporter Gary Phillips posted.
A similar outline came from New York Post reporter Greg Joyce: “The plan is for Cody Bellinger to start a rehab assignment on Tuesday, play another game on Thursday and then be in play for the Yankees this weekend.”
Bellinger earned a spot on the American League All-Star team earlier this summer. In 102 games this season he has posted a .259 batting average, .350 on-base percentage and .420 slugging percentage, along with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs.
The Yankees locked him up with a five-year, $162.5 million contract during the most recent offseason. They originally obtained him via trade from the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Before his time in Chicago, Bellinger spent several seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. There he collected National League Rookie of the Year honors, an MVP award and a World Series championship.
His return would provide a significant boost to an offense missing other veterans. Star outfielder Aaron Judge and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton also remain on the injured list.
New York has played .500 ball over its past 10 games, going 5-5, and heads into Sunday having dropped three straight. The club sits at 68-55 overall and holds the top wild-card position in the American League.
That standing includes a two-game cushion over the Boston Red Sox, who currently occupy the second wild-card berth. In the AL East division race the Yankees trail the Tampa Bay Rays by 6½ games.
A successful rehab stint for Bellinger could help stabilize the outfield and add depth as the season enters its final stretch. The Yankees will look to generate more consistent production while waiting for several key contributors to return to the active roster.
Boone and the coaching staff continue monitoring the situation closely. Any activation this weekend would come after Bellinger logs the planned games at the Triple-A level.
Fans following the team will watch the rehab appearances for signs of full health. Bellinger’s ability to contribute both at the plate and in the field has been a valuable part of the Yankees’ plans this year.
Sunday’s series finale offers the club a chance to salvage a win before turning attention to the next stretch of the schedule. The potential addition of Bellinger later in the week remains one of the brighter notes emerging from the current road trip.
