The New York Yankees welcomed Cody Bellinger back to their lineup Sunday while making several additional roster moves ahead of their series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bellinger was activated from the injured list after missing nearly a month with a left hamstring strain suffered on July 25. His return had appeared imminent after beginning a rehabi assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday. The outfielder served as the designated hitter in his first game before returning to the field for his second appearance and declared himself ready to rejoin the Yankees on Saturday.
The Yankees had already cleared a roster spot for Bellinger by sending Max Schuemann back to the minors Saturday night. Schuemann had recently been recalled after third baseman Ryan McMahon landed on the injured list with a left thumb sprain.
New York also placed left-hander Ryan Weathers on the injured list with a left forearm flexor strain after he exited Saturday’s loss to Toronto in the fourth inning. Weathers had allowed two runs on eight hits over 3.1 innings before leaving the game.
The Yankees recalled right-hander Brendan Beck from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Weathers’ spot on the active roster.
Beck, 27, has made two Major League appearances with New York this season, pitching a combined 6.2 innings while allowing seven runs on seven hits. He has also issued five walks and recorded four strikeouts.
With an off day following Sunday’s game, the Yankees could have some flexibility when determining how to fill Weathers’ spot in the rotation. Beck could provide length out of the bullpen, while New York could also use a bullpen game or turn to another pitcher for the opening.
The Yankees have yet to announce their starting rotation for their upcoming series against the Houston Astros, while Max Fried continues working toward a return from the injured list.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.