Full Breakdown
Cody Bellinger Nears Return as Yankees Tweak Rehab Timeline
8/17/2026, 6:16:01 AM
Core Event: Yankees Adjust Bellinger Rehab Schedule
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that left-fielder Cody Bellinger will begin a minor-league rehab assignment later this week, moving the start from Tuesday to Thursday or Friday. This shift affects when the club could activate him, possibly during the home series against Toronto.
Background & Context: Offensive Woes and Injury List
Injuries have sidelined three primary hitters: Aaron Judge (rib fracture, out since May 31), Giancarlo Stanton (calf strains, out since April 24), and Cody Bellinger (Grade 2 left hamstring strain, on the IL since July 26). Since Bellinger’s injury, the Yankees have posted a .204/.281/.354 slash line and rank 29th in runs scored among 30 MLB clubs.
Data & Statistics
- Cody Bellinger (31) – batting average .259, 115 OPS+ in 102 games, 52 HR, 11 RBI, 53 SB.
- Team batting average since the injury: .204; OBP .281; SLG .354.
Timeline
- July 24-26, 2026 – Bellinger’s last game and subsequent IL placement.
- May 31 – Judge’s last appearance.
- April 24 – Stanton’s last appearance.
- August 16 – Boone’s corrected statement about the later-week rehab start.
Official Statements & Responses
- Boone said the rehab schedule “that can always change as the weeks and month unfold, just depending.”
- Bellinger told reporters he is “feeling really good” and “advancing very well,” noting only minor tightness.
- Boone added that Judge is continuing catch work and remains on track for a later return.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Initial timeline: Outlets reported a Tuesday start.
- Revised timeline: Later statements cite Thursday or Friday.
- No outlet has confirmed the exact date Bellinger will be added back to the 26-man roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That can always change as the weeks and month unfold, just depending,” — Aaron Boone, manager
What’s Next
The Yankees will evaluate Bellinger after one or two rehab games this week. If he shows readiness, the club could activate him for the Toronto series in late August, offering a boost to an offense that has struggled since Judge’s injury. No definitive roster move has been announced.
