Sunday hasn’t been a good day for the New York Yankees, yet they don’t even play until the evening against the Philadelphia Phillies. Rather, they received the unfortunate news that outfielder Cody Bellinger, who has been one of New York’s most productive players in captain Aaron Judge’s absence, will head to the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. Bellinger left yesterday’s 3-1 win against Philadelphia in between innings after sliding into second base on a double. In announcing Bellinger’s absence, New York also recalled Spencer Jones, who will make his third stint in the Major Leagues.
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed INF/OF Cody Bellinger on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.
• Recalled OF Spencer Jones (#78) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 26, 2026
Unfortunate Timing for Cody Bellinger
Bellinger, 31, was just starting to pick up his slack offensively after hitting a rut at the start of the month. This does on the other hand give yet another opportunity to the young Jones, who looked considerably more comfortable at the plate during his second call-up in June; in 47 AB’s during that month, Jones had an .808 OPS, 2 home runs, five RBI, and 22 strikeouts. Perhaps this time around Jones will have even more in store for the Yankees, who desperately need it even after securing a series win against the Phillies.
Another Blow
Every single member of New York’s outfield is either currently on the IL or has been at some point this season; that of course right now includes Bellinger and Judge, but Trent Grisham and Jasson Domínguez both missed time earlier in the year as well. For a team whose outfield was supposed to be a strength, Bellinger’s injury is just another tough blow that they’ll have to work through. It is particularly unfortunate because he appeared to be finally heating back up, but New York is probably just happy that Bellinger will only miss a week or two.
With everyday (or at least more consistent) playing time practically guaranteed in Bellinger’s absence, this is a huge opportunity for Jones to prove himself. He may not be playing for a spot in New York’s outfield this season, but you can bet that if he does he just might find himself playing for a starting job next spring.
Main Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
