Cody Bellinger Set for Rehab Assignment, Yankees Eye Weekend Return

Outfielder Cody Bellinger will begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, followed by a second game on Thursday, according to manager Aaron Boone. The Yankees hope to activate him for the upcoming weekend homestand, potentially adding him to the lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays.

ESPN

Bellinger has been on the injured list since July 26 after suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The Yankees’ offense has also been hampered by Aaron Judge, who has not played since May 31 because of a broken right rib, and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined since April 24 with multiple calf strains. Boone noted that the team’s “scuffling lineup” has been among the worst in baseball since Judge’s absence.

Hartford Courant

• Bellinger is batting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games this season, per Boone’s remarks.

ESPN

• He re-signed with New York last winter on a $162.5 million, five-year contract.

ESPN

• Judge’s rib injury and Stanton’s calf issues have left the Yankees without two of their primary power hitters for several weeks.

New York Post

Boone said the rehab schedule is “on track” and that the team will decide how to clear a roster spot, noting that outfielder Spencer Jones still has minor-league options. He also indicated that Clarke Schmidt is expected to return to the mound “in the next couple days” and may assume a bullpen role, though the exact plan could shift as the weeks progress.

Hartford Courant

• “That can always change as the weeks and month unfold, just depending,” — Aaron Boone, manager — Aaron Boone, manager

Hartford Courant