New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, who recently clinched the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Game, has been sidelined with a left hamstring injury.
The Yankees announced on Monday that they’ve placed Bellinger on the 10-day injured list and called up Spencer Jones from their Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
Bellinger experienced discomfort in his left hamstring after hitting a double in the eighth inning during an away game against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 26. He was subsequently replaced by defensive substitute Max Hummel at the end of the inning.
The All-Star outfielder is scheduled to return to New York on July 28 for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Bellinger reported that itt feels a bit tight, but the condition hasn’t worsened.
Local media sources indicate that the timeline for Bellinger’s return remains uncertain. Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated that while it’s not a severe condition, it’s hoping for a short stint on the IL.
Bellinger, who inked a five-year, 162.5 million USD deal with the Yankees following last season, has appeared in 102 games this year. He’s posted a .259 batting average (97 hits in 374 at-bats) with 11 home runs, 53 run batted ins (RBIs), 52 runs scored, and a .770 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).
During the All-Star Game on July 15, Bellinger delivered a clutch two-RBI hit in the first inning, propelling the American League All-Stars to a 4-0 victory and earning his first Star of Stars accolade.
As the Yankees pursue their 28th World Series title, the injuries to key players Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and now Bellinger have dealt a significant blow to their roster strength, potentially impacting their championship aspirations.