Yankees Receive Cody Bellinger Update Before Cardinals Game

Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Yankees Receive Cody Bellinger Update Before Cardinals Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tate Mosher | Last updated Aug 5, 2026 5:03 PM ET

The New York Yankees will play the rubber match of a three-game set with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. As it stands currently, they are 64-50, second place in the American League East and three and a half games behind the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees have been getting by without the services of primary left fielder Cody Bellinger for the past couple weeks. He exited their July 25 game with injury, and it was later revealed to be a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

The 31-year-old inked a five-year, $162 million contract with New York this past offseason. Since his first missed game on July 26, the team has gone 5-5 in his absence.

New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35)© Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In 102 games this season, Bellinger is slashing .259/.350/.420 (.770 OPS) with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs. Though he was in a prolonged slump at the time of injury, he was still an All-Star this season and the Yankees’ best outfielder with Aaron Judge out.

Defensively in left field, Bellinger is far and away the best in the game statistically. His 19 defensive runs saved more than triples the next best, that being Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox with six (h/t FanGraphs).

Bellinger is one of New York’s most important players, so they need him back as soon as possible for their playoff push. On Wednesday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN reported that he was taking batting practice and progressing well.

Cody Bellinger is taking batting practice on the field at Yankee Stadium right now. He's been on the injured list since July 26 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Aaron Boone yesterday noted he's progressing well.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 5, 2026

There is no timetable yet for Bellinger’s return. Before the trade deadline, it was rookie Spencer Jones manning left field. The club has since acquired Heliot Ramos from the San Francisco Giants to do the job for the time being.

Jones has been moved to right field for the moment, and has been playing well enough this season. In 41 games, he is slashing .221/.302/.404 (.706 OPS) with five home runs and 13 RBIs while going 3/3 on stolen bases.

The deadline acquisition Ramos has appeared in 75 games this year. He is slashing .260/.300/.418 (.718 OPS) with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. He hits better against lefties, but will be in the lineup everyday for as long as Bellinger is injured.

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

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