New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger will miss four to six weeks after an MRI revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, the team announced.
The injury occurred on July 25 while Bellinger rounded first base on an eighth-inning double during a 3-1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
He was placed on the 10-day injured list on July 26, prompting the Yankees to recall 25-year-old outfielder Spencer Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Bellinger leads all Major League left fielders with 19 Defensive Runs Saved this season. He posted a .
259/. 350/.
420 slash line with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games.
Yankees Manager Addresses Injury Woes
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the team's ongoing health challenges ahead of their upcoming series.
"We've had some tough injuries to some really important people," Boone said. "That is part of it.
The season waits for no one."
Boone indicated that Jones will see significant playing time in left field, primarily against right-handed pitching, while Max Schuemann will start against left-handed opponents.
"We very much feel that we have guys that are capable of going out there and performing at a high level," Boone added.
The injury intensifies New York's search for offensive reinforcements ahead of the August 3 MLB trade deadline, alongside needs at catcher and in the bullpen.
"I get the sense that they have been working on this in different ways, shapes and forms for the last several weeks, getting ready for Trade Deadline stuff," Boone said.
"I expect them to try and do all they can to improve our team."
The front office has reportedly inquired about several right-handed outfielders, including Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels, Lane Thomas of the Kansas City Royals, Taylor Ward of the Baltimore Orioles, and Heliot Ramos of the San Francisco Giants.
Team captain Aaron Judge praised the internal options but acknowledged the challenge.
"You can't replace a [Cody] Bellinger," Judge said.
Judge remains sidelined with a fractured right rib sustained on May 31 and has not yet resumed swinging a bat.
Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton continues a running progression after a second right calf strain in June.
Boone provided an update on Stanton's recovery.
"The strength stuff, the explosive stuff he's doing in the weight room has been very good," Boone said.
"We've just got to get him up to a level on the running side of things."
