Cody Bellinger injury sends Yankees scrambling before deadline
Cody Bellinger hit the injured list with a left hamstring strain, thinning a Yankees lineup already missing Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Cody Bellinger injury has landed the Yankees’ left fielder on the injured list with a left hamstring strain, the team announced Sunday, adding another problem to a club that has won nine of its last 12 games while trying to squeeze runs from a battered lineup.
New York called up Spencer Jones in the corresponding move. Bellinger had been one of the Yankees’ hottest bats, going 16 for 43, a .372 clip, over his past 12 games, according to CBS Sports. His power had gone quiet, though: he had not homered since June 17.
Bellinger was hurt Saturday while running out a double in the eighth inning of a 3-1 win over the Phillies. He remained in the game to run the bases, then was replaced in left field in the next half-inning.
After the game, Bellinger told MLB.com he had not previously dealt with a hamstring injury and described the issue as tightness. “I really don’t think it’s anything too serious,” Bellinger said, according to MLB.com. He added that leaving the game was the smart call and said he would see how he felt the next day.
How long is Cody Bellinger out?
The Yankees have not announced a return timetable for Bellinger. An injured-list move means he will miss time during a key stretch before the trade deadline, but the team has not said how severe the strain is.
The injury leaves New York without three major lineup pieces: Aaron Judge, Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton. CBS Sports reported that Judge has not yet been cleared to resume baseball activities and appears unlikely to return before September. Stanton is also out, leaving the Yankees without their regular right fielder, left fielder and designated hitter.
The run production had already dipped before Bellinger joined the injured list. According to CBS Sports, the Yankees averaged 5.27 runs per game before Judge’s IL stint, fourth in MLB. Since Judge went out, that figure has fallen to 3.98, fifth fewest in the majors. Over their past 32 games, they have averaged 3.25 runs.
What do the Yankees need at the trade deadline?
CBS Sports reported that the Yankees were already expected to look for bullpen help, catching and a right-handed platoon outfielder before the deadline. Bellinger’s injury could push that search toward a player capable of handling a larger role if his absence stretches on.
For now, the Yankees are set to lean on Jones, Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham in the outfield. CBS Sports noted that the group can cover the innings, but the injury pileup raises the pressure on the front office to add offense.
CBS Sports identified several possible outfield trade fits, including:
- Jo Adell of the Angels, a right-handed bat with an extra year of team control.
- Heliot Ramos of the Giants, a right-handed power option under team control through 2029.
- Luis Robert Jr. of the Mets, who recently returned from a back injury and has hit two long home runs, though CBS Sports noted his workload needs managing.
- Spencer Steer of the Reds, a controllable player with experience at first base, both outfield corners, second base and third base.
- Lane Thomas of the Royals, described by CBS Sports as a likely trade candidate and a rental who has performed well against left-handed pitching.
The Yankees are still winning games. Their lineup, for the moment, is asking a lot more from a lot fewer stars.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.