New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain after feeling a grab while running out a double against the Philadelphia Phillies, adding another injury to an already depleted Yankees roster.
Bellinger felt tightness while rounding first base during Saturday's 3-1 Yankees victory and remained in the game until the inning ended. He later acknowledged that continuing to play was probably not the safest decision.
"It's a little tight, but I didn't wake up worse, so that's good," Bellinger said, according to the Yankees. "I just feel like I won't be able to put on the cleats for the next four days, at least."
Bellinger performed light agility drills on Sunday but is expected to undergo an MRI in New York to determine the extent of the injury.
The Yankees' growing health concerns
The injury comes as the Yankees continue to navigate a difficult stretch of injuries affecting several key players.
Aaron Judge remains sidelined while recovering from a fractured right rib, while Giancarlo Stanton has been progressing cautiously after suffering two right calf strains.
Bellinger, 31, has been an important defensive presence for New York during his second season with the team. He entered Sunday with 19 defensive runs saved, second in the majors.
His offensive production has been more inconsistent, with Bellinger enduring a 31-game homerless streak before showing signs of improvement. He entered the latest game batting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs in 102 games.
Why a hamstring strain can sideline athletes
A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of the muscles or tendons at the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. These muscles play a crucial role in sprinting, accelerating and changing direction, movements that are central to baseball and other high-level sports.
The severity of a strain can range from minor stretching and microscopic damage to a more significant tear. Symptoms may include sudden pain or a pulling sensation, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty running or putting weight on the affected leg.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may involve rest, ice, compression and elevation in the early stages, followed by a gradual rehabilitation program.
For professional athletes, returning too quickly can be particularly risky. Hamstring injuries have a notable tendency to recur, making a gradual return to sprinting and sport-specific movements an important part of recovery.
Bellinger's MRI should provide the Yankees with a clearer picture of the damage and help determine how long he may be unavailable.
Spencer Jones gets another chance amid injury crisis
With Bellinger sidelined, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Jones is expected to receive significant opportunities in left field while Jasson Domínguez remains in right.
Jones has struggled to establish himself offensively in limited major league action this season, batting .224 with four doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs across 31 games. His performance in Triple-A has been considerably stronger, however, with 14 homers and 52 RBIs in 54 games.
"Spencer's ready for the shot," Boone said.
With several prominent players already dealing with injuries, Bellinger's hamstring strain adds another question mark to a roster that has spent much of the season trying to stay healthy.
The immediate focus now shifts to Bellinger's MRI and whether the injury proves to be a short-term setback or something that could keep the All-Star out for considerably longer.
