Cody Bellinger continues to work his way back from a left hamstring strain that has kept him off the field for the New York Yankees, offering a measured update as the club prepares to open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium.
According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, the outfielder was again performing agility drills in the Yankee Stadium outfield on Friday. The session went smoothly overall, yet Bellinger acknowledged earlier in the week that he is still feeling the effects of the injury in his hamstring.
That lingering sensation underscores the careful pace the Yankees are taking with one of their key position players as they navigate the second half of the season.
Bellinger has been on the injured list since July 26 after sustaining the strain. Initial projections suggested a four-to-six-week recovery timeline, a significant absence for a player who has been a steady presence in the lineup.
Before the injury, he had appeared in 102 games, posting a .259 average with an on-base percentage of .350 and a .420 slugging mark. Those numbers included 11 home runs and 53 RBIs, production the Yankees have missed while he has been sidelined.
The All-Star outfielder’s return remains a priority for a Yankees club that has dealt with several injuries to important contributors. His ability to handle the outfield and contribute offensively makes him a valuable piece in a competitive American League East race.
The fact that he is progressing to agility work represents a positive step, even if full game readiness is still some distance away.
Hoch’s report makes clear that while the drills themselves have gone well, Bellinger’s own assessment of residual discomfort means the organization will continue to monitor him closely rather than rush the process.
The Yankees re-signed Bellinger to a long-term contract in the offseason after acquiring him previously, banking on the veteran’s experience and two-way contributions.
A former MVP and World Series champion from his earlier years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bellinger brought proven postseason credentials and defensive reliability to the Bronx. That background only heightens the importance of a healthy return.
As the Yankees shift focus to the Braves series, Bellinger’s status will remain a topic of interest. The agility drills mark tangible progress, yet the lingering hamstring sensation reported by Hoch serves as a reminder that recovery from this type of injury often involves patience.
For now, the Yankees will continue to evaluate his response to the increased activity while managing the day-to-day demands of a tight schedule.
