After a long absence due to injury, Cody Bellinger finally made his return to the New York Yankees‘ lineup. Amid concerns that the Bronx Bombers may had rushed Bellinger back into MLB action, the three-time All-Star broke his silence.
Although manager Aaron Boone had cleared most concerns around Bellinger’s return, many fans still needed to hear directly from the outfielder. Appearing in his first MLB game since late July, Bellinger dropped a clear statement on his health.
“Felt really good, yeah,” Bellinger admitted after the Yankees’ 8-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in the series finale. “Honestly, felt like 100%.“ Bellinger’s statement was just what New York wanted to hear entering the home stretch of the 2026 MLB regular season.
Bellinger clears doubts
Some rustiness or physical struggles were to be expected as Bellinger suited up for his first MLB game in a month and put his Grade 2 hamstring strain to the ultimate test. It’s one thing to be tested in practice; it’s very different to do so in live action, and not even a rehab assignment in Triple-A can fully prepare a player for it.
Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees.
As Bellinger played left field against Toronto, many fans on social media speculated that he was favoring his left leg, as if he wasn’t fully healed or, at the very least, wasn’t entirely confident putting much weight on it and risking a setback.
However, based on Bellinger’s postgame comments, it seems it was only buzz, and there was no fire behind the smoke. Still, Bellinger’s hamstring will be something for the Yankees to keep an eye on moving forward.
Bellinger’s first game back
Fourth on the Yankees’ batting order against the Blue Jays, Bellinger had four at-bats in his first game back from IL and the rehab assignment in Triple-A. The 31-year-old finished the day with a hit and a run, but was also struck out twice. Through 103 games on the season, Bellinger registers a .259 batting average, along with a .349 on-base percentage, and .418 slugging percentage.
