Cody Bellinger is slated to take another step toward returning to the New York Yankees, with manager Aaron Boone announcing Sunday that the outfielder will begin a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday.
Bellinger has been sidelined since July 26 because of a strained left hamstring, but he could be back in the Yankees’ lineup as soon as next weekend if his recovery continues without any setbacks. Boone said Bellinger is expected to play Tuesday and Thursday, likely with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The Yankees will welcome his return to an offense that has struggled to consistently produce in recent weeks. Bellinger has hit .259 with 11 home runs and 53 runs batted in across 102 games this season.
The 2026 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract to remain with New York during the offseason and has been an important part of the Yankees’ lineup when healthy.
Bellinger is not the only significant Yankee making progress toward a return.
Aaron Judge is scheduled to throw and run Sunday in New York as he continues recovering from a broken right rib. Judge has not played since May 31 and resumed throwing Friday for the first time since landing on the injured list. The three-time Most Valuable Player still has several steps remaining before he can return to game action.
Carlos Rodón is also expected to make another minor-league rehab start Tuesday while working his way back from an elbow injury. The Yankees have not determined whether Rodón will pitch for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre or Double-A Somerset.
Rodón has already made two reha starts this month, including one at each level, as New York continues to build up its pitching depth.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.