Cody Bellinger’s Back Injury Sidelines Him During Yankees Spring Training

Cody Bellinger, the New York Yankees outfielder, has been sidelined due to a back injury that occurred during spring training. Manager Aaron Boone reported that Bellinger’s back “went out on him a little bit” on Friday, resulting in his absence from the Yankees' 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Bellinger is also expected to miss the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, but Boone anticipates that he could return to action by Tuesday, following a scheduled off-day on Monday. Boone expressed optimism, stating, “He was quite a bit better today. Trainers aren’t too concerned about it.”

New York PostHeavyYankees’ Cody Bellinger battling back injury concern at spring training

This is not the first instance of back issues for Bellinger, who has a history of injuries, including labrum tears and fractures. Last season, he missed games due to similar back tightness. The Yankees are hopeful that this latest setback will not escalate into a significant problem, especially given the early timing in the spring training schedule. Bellinger, who signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract with the Yankees in January, is preparing for his 10th season in Major League Baseball.

Yankees’ Cody Bellinger battling back injury concern at spring training

The Yankees, who have not won a World Series since 2009, are looking to improve upon their 94-win season from the previous year, which ended in the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite some criticism regarding their offseason moves, the Yankees have a strong outfield lineup, featuring Bellinger alongside MVP Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham. Bellinger’s performance is crucial as he aims to replicate or exceed his previous season's statistics, where he hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs.

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Boone downplayed the severity of Bellinger’s injury, indicating that it is a recurring issue that typically arises in the spring. He stated, “We don’t think it’s anything. The trainers aren’t too concerned about it.” However, this sentiment has not been universally accepted. Some analysts and fans have expressed skepticism about Boone's reassurances, with one commentator questioning whether Bellinger would indeed be ready for the lineup on Tuesday.

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While some commentators, like Andres Chavez from Empire Sports Media, argue that the primary goal is to ensure Bellinger is healthy for the regular season rather than focusing on spring training games, others have criticized Boone's optimistic outlook. Analyst Adam Weinrib remarked on the skepticism surrounding Boone's claims, suggesting that fans should be cautious about the injury's implications.

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As the Yankees prepare for their upcoming games, the focus remains on Bellinger’s recovery. The team is hopeful for his return to the lineup against Team Panama on Tuesday, which would allow him to continue his preparation for the regular season opener against the San Francisco Giants on March 25. The situation will be closely monitored as the Yankees aim to maintain their competitive edge while managing player health effectively.

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