RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Yankees get massive Cody Bellinger boost at perfect time in playoff race originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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New York Yankees welcomed a major piece of their lineup back Sunday, activating outfielder Cody Bellinger from the injured list after a strained left hamstring sidelined him for 25 games.
Bellinger wasted little time getting involved in his return. Batting cleanup and starting in left field, he went 1-for-4 with a single and a run scored as New York defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 8-3.
It was Bellinger’s first appearance since July 25 against Philadelphia, when he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain while running the bases following a double. The initial timetable called for him to miss four to six weeks.
Instead of rushing one of his most important hitters back, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the organization was pleased with how Bellinger progressed through his rehabilitation.
“Very excited,” Boone said before Sunday’s game. “He’s had a pretty good rehab process here, and he’s got tested well enough the last two nights.”
Bellinger’s Return Comes at Critical Time
Yankees’ $162.5 million weapon is back
New York managed to stay afloat without Bellinger, posting a 14-11 record during his 25-game absence, but his return could provide another dangerous bat for a club trying to chase down the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.
Bellinger entered Sunday batting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games. His season had started slowly, but the former National League MVP was heating up before suffering the injury. He was batting .372 over his final 12 games before landing on the injured list.
The Yankees are hoping his return eventually brings back his power as well. Bellinger entered Sunday riding a 31-game homerless streak, the second-longest drought of his career.
His importance to New York extends beyond this season. After hitting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last year, Bellinger re-signed with the Yankees during the offseason on a five-year, $162.5 million contract. He later added another highlight by earning All-Star Game MVP honors July 14 in Philadelphia.
Heliot Ramos helped fill the void by starting 15 games during Bellinger’s absence and could continue seeing opportunities in right field against left-handed pitching.
To clear a roster spot, New York optioned utility player Max Schuemann to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
With the Yankees fighting for position in a tight division race, Bellinger’s return gives Boone another proven weapon at exactly the right time.
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