Yankees Outfielder Cody Bellinger Sits Out Monday Due to Back Soreness
Cody Bellinger will not be in the New York Yankees’ lineup Monday night against the Kansas City Royals as he continues to receive treatment for a sore back. Manager Aaron Boone explained the decision, noting the timing made sense given the team’s demanding schedule.
“He’s doing well,” Boone said, via MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “But with 13 straight games, I’m trying to be smart about picking spots to give him some rest.”
Bellinger has had a bit of a rocky start to the season, having already missed time due to both his back issue and a bout of food poisoning after eating bad chicken wings during a series in Detroit against the Tigers.
The Yankees are currently navigating a 13-game stretch without a day off, and Boone decided Monday would be a good time to rest Bellinger as he continues treatment. The team is looking to bounce back from a weekend series loss to the Giants as they begin a three-game set against Kansas City.
Bellinger was acquired to help fill the void left by Juan Soto’s departure in free agency. The Yankees’ offense has largely delivered so far, but the pitching staff has had issues with control, giving up too many walks.
Injuries to starters Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil have been a major blow early in the season. Max Fried, however, has lived up to expectations as the centerpiece of the team’s post-Soto pitching plan. Outside of Fried, the rest of the rotation has struggled.
On a positive note, Clarke Schmidt is expected to return from injury on Wednesday, which should bolster the pitching staff. The Yankees head into Monday’s game with an 8-7 record, trying to keep pace despite the early setbacks.
