Yankees announce plans for Cody Bellinger's return from injury

New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees announce plans for Cody Bellinger's return from injury

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 16, 2026 1:29 PM ET

The New York Yankees are awaiting the return of three major producers in the middle of their lineup.

Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger are all currently on the injured list with their separate injuries.

It appears, though, that Bellinger is the closest to returning and his plans to return to the 26-man roster were laid out on Sunday.

Two rehab assignments is the likely path for Cody Bellinger

According to Yankees beat writer Erik Boland, Bellinger is expected to play in rehab-assignment games on Tuesday and Thursday, likely with Triple-A Scranton. After that, it is likely that Bellinger will be activated at some point during next weekend's series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bellinger has been out of action since July 25 while recovering from a hamstring injury.

"I feel really close."

- Cody Bellinger on his rehab progress@M_Marakovits has the latest on Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton pic.twitter.com/URccexv2GZ
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 15, 2026

Yankees need more production from Cody Bellinger when he returns

Compared to his stellar 2025 season, Bellinger has had a bit of a down year in 2026. He went on the injured list slashing .259/.350/.420 but was actually just starting to get going in July.

Bellinger had raised his average from .245 to .259 in a span of 12 games and appeared to be coming back into the form he'd shown over the past two seasons in Chicago and New York.

For the Yankees to make another run at the World Series, they'll need health and production from not only Bellinger, but from Judge and Stanton when they are able to return.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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