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Yankees Make Cody Bellinger Decision Before Red Sox Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 5:54 PM ET

As the dog days of summer slowly begin, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is gradually increasing his players' rest days.

First, it was reigning AL MVP and starting right fielder Aaron Judge who began Thursday's victory over the Kansas City Royals on the bench. It's center fielder Cody Bellinger's turn on Saturday, as he'll sit against the rival Boston Red Sox.

Trent Grisham will hit leadoff and replace Bellinger in center field. Every other starter is in the Yankees' lineup, with Ben Rice remaining at DH instead of getting another opportunity behind the plate.

Bellinger went 0-for-4 against the Red Sox in Friday's 2-1, 10-inning loss.

It's been a mixed season for Bellinger, who owns a .251 average, nine home runs, and 36 RBI over 63 games. His 1.4 bWAR ranks sixth among Yankees hitters, and his .760 OPS is only seventh.

Bellinger arrived in New York with high expectations, especially with Yankee Stadium's short porch. However, he only has nine home runs, though at least seven have come in the Bronx.

The 42-26 Yankees enter Saturday with a 4 1/2 game first-place lead over the Toronto Blue Jays. Although the Red Sox are 8 1/2 games behind in the division, they're picking up pace and only trail the Minnesota Twins by two for the AL's third and final Wild Card spot.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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