The New York Yankees will look to improve their record on Friday when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they will be without Cody Bellinger, who has been scratched from the lineup.
Initially thought to be a routine rest day, reports indicate that Bellinger, the 29-year-old outfielder, is sidelined due to back stiffness. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Bellinger felt discomfort in his back during Thursday night’s game, and the team doesn’t want to risk aggravating the injury.
“Cody Bellinger is out of the Yankees lineup today due to a stiff back. Aaron Boone said it was bothering him during last night’s game and they didn’t want to push it with their early-morning arrival,” said team reporter Bryan Hoch.
In Bellinger’s absence, Trent Grisham will take over in center field for Friday’s game. This will allow Bellinger time to rest and recover, with the hope that he can return to action by Saturday or Sunday to finish the three-game series against the Pirates.
Bellinger, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, is in his first season with the Yankees after two years with the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees traded for him in the offseason to strengthen their lineup following their failure to re-sign Juan Soto.
So far this season, Bellinger has appeared in six games, recording 27 plate appearances. He is hitting .238 with a .268 on-base percentage, one home run, and six RBIs. The Yankees are optimistic that he will recover quickly and return to the lineup soon.
Bellinger has also been a subject of controversy this season due to his use of the controversial torpedo bats, one of the few players on the roster doing so. While he hasn’t hit as many home runs as some teammates, the Yankees expect the power to come as the season progresses.
