Cody Bellinger, the New York Yankees outfielder, has been sidelined due to a hamstring strain and has not participated in a game since July 25. His absence has been felt significantly, especially as the Yankees battle for a playoff spot in a competitive pennant race.
The Yankees' offense has struggled in recent weeks, compounded by the injuries to Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge, three of their most powerful hitters. The loss of these key players has left the team in a challenging position as they strive to maintain their standing in the American League.
Manager Aaron Boone provided an encouraging update on Bellinger's recovery during a press conference on Tuesday. According to Boone, Bellinger is making significant progress, stating, "He’s running really well. He’s probably at I think over 90 percent of his normal top speed and feeling good doing that." However, Boone noted that Bellinger is still experiencing some tightness in certain movements, which he hopes to overcome as his daily training intensity increases.
Bellinger, who signed a lucrative five-year, $162.5 million contract with the Yankees after an impressive first season with the team, had been enjoying a strong year prior to his injury. In the previous season, he posted a .272 batting average with 29 home runs, marking one of his best performances since he was named MVP in 2019. Although his numbers dipped slightly this year, he still managed to earn an All-Star selection and maintained a .770 OPS.
Before his injury, Bellinger was on a hot streak, hitting .400 with a 1.000 OPS over his last six games. His return could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees' lineup, which has struggled to find consistency without him. While Bellinger has been taking batting practice and hitting, his return to the field will depend on his ability to run without discomfort. It is likely that he will also need to complete a rehab assignment before rejoining the team.
The Yankees are hopeful that Bellinger will be back in action soon, as they look to regain their offensive firepower and make a push for the postseason. His return could be pivotal in helping the team navigate the final stretch of the season.
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