New York – The New York Yankees announced Sunday that outfielder Cody Bellinger has been activated from the injured list after missing 25 games with a strained left hamstring. Bellinger returned to the lineup as the fourth‑batting hitter and started in left field in the series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Injury and recovery
Bellinger suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on July 25 after running the bases following a double in Philadelphia. The team originally projected a four‑to‑six‑week recovery period. Over the past two nights, Yankees staff said he completed a thorough rehab program and passed all required tests, giving manager Aaron Boone confidence to bring him back.
Performance this season
Through 102 games this season, Bellinger is batting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs. He posted a .228 average in the first month after the Yankees lost Aaron Judge to a rib stress fracture, then surged to a .372 clip in the 12 games before his injury. At the time of his activation, he was in the midst of a 31‑game homerless streak, the second‑longest of his career.
Contract and accolades
After a strong 2025 campaign in which he hit .272 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs, Bellinger re‑signed with New York in the winter for $162.5 million over five years. He also earned the MVP award at the All‑Star Game on July 14 in Philadelphia.
Team impact
During Bellinger’s absence, the Yankees compiled a 14‑11 record and fell three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. Heliot Ramos, acquired earlier in the season, filled in for Bellinger, starting 15 games and likely continuing to see right‑field duty when the club faces left‑handed starters.
Roster move
To make room for Bellinger on the 26‑man roster, the club optioned infielder Max Schuemann back to Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre. Schuemann, who is hitting .194 in 42 games, had been recalled earlier in the week after Ryan McMahon landed on the injured list with a sprained left thumb.
Boone expressed optimism ahead of the final game of the three‑game series, saying, “He’s had a pretty good rehab process here and he’s tested well enough the last two nights… I feel like he’s ready to roll and excited to get him back.”
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
