Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger was removed in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Phillies on Saturday with a hamstring injury. He’s set to undergo testing. Bellinger downplayed the issue after the game. “It just feels a little tight,” Bellinger told reporters, relayed by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “I really don’t think it’s anything too serious.”
Bellinger doubled in the top of the frame before being replaced on defense. It was his second hit of the game, along with a go-ahead RBI single in the sixth inning. The Yankees won another tight matchup in Philly and will go for the sweep on Sunday.
If Bellinger is forced to miss time, Spencer Jones would be a logical candidate to rejoin the big-league squad. He’s been called upon frequently when New York’s outfielders have missed time. Max Schuemann replaced Bellinger tonight. He could pick up additional reps in left field, at least against left-handed pitching. Schuemann has a .906 OPS in a small sample against southpaws.
Bellinger put together one of his healthiest campaigns to date in his debut with the Yankees. He reached 150 games and 650 plate appearances last season for the first time since his 2019 NL MVP year. Bellinger hit .272 with 29 home runs and 13 steals after getting dealt to New York. He’s been a solid contributor once again this year, posting a 117 wRC+ in 430 plate appearances. Bellinger has also been one of the most valuable defenders at any position. He’s tied for first in the league with Wilyer Abreu at 19 Defensive Runs Saved.
Here are a handful of other items from around the AL East…
- The Red Sox are expected to activate Ranger Suarez to start on Sunday against the Blue Jays, relays Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. The lefty hit the injured list in early July with a groin strain. Suarez was tabbed to start earlier in the week, but an illness delayed his return. Fellow lefty Payton Tolle will be bumped to Monday against the Athletics.
- Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt completed a bullpen session today, manager Craig Albernaz told reporters before Saturday’s game (h/t Matt Weyrich of the Baltimore Sun). The veteran righty has been sidelined since early June with back discomfort that eventually required surgery. Bassitt scuffled to a 5.27 ERA in 12 appearances prior to his IL placement.
- The Orioles have shut down catcher Samuel Basallo for a few days as he works his way back from right shoulder inflammation. He’ll pause his rehab work to allow the shoulder to “calm down,” Albernaz said (h/t again to Weyrich). Baltimore lost both catchers in the span of a few days with Adley Rutschman hitting the IL last weekend with a wrist injury.
- The Rays activated left-hander Steven Matz for Saturday’s matchup against the Guardians. Righty Chris Roycroft was sent back to the minors. Matz missed exactly a month with an ankle sprain. He opened the season in Tampa Bay’s rotation, but lost his spot after posting a 5.48 ERA over 10 starts. Matz was even worse when he moved to the bullpen, giving up nine earned runs over five relief outings.
Photo courtesy of Bill Streicher, Imagn Images
