Yankees' Aaron Boone provides latest update on Cody Bellinger return

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone talks with the home plate umpire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees' Aaron Boone provides latest update on Cody Bellinger return

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 19, 2026 1:27 PM ET

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has provided the latest update on the return of Cody Bellinger from the 10-day injured list.

Bellinger is rehabbing a grade-2 level hamstring strain sustained against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 25. Boone has claimed Bellinger will play in a rehab game on Thursday with Triple-A Scranton and could return to the Yankees lineup as early as Sunday.

The Yankees could use an offensive boost as their offense has slid to near the bottom of the league in runs scored in August. Prior to Bellinger's injury, the 2026 All-Star MVP was batting .259 with 11 home runs and 53 RBI with a .350 on-base percentage in 102 games.

His vital left-handed bat provides lineup protection and lefty-on-lefty utility back in the batting order. Since his absence, the offense has been flat thank to injuries to key sluggers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Having Bellinger in the lineup helps to extend the batting order and ease the pressure off other players while providing stability until Judge and Stanton return.

Aaron Boone says Cody Bellinger will play in a rehab game tomorrow and could be back on the team as soon as Sunday pic.twitter.com/6tLaC3iBPq
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 19, 2026

Cody Bellinger's return could provide boost for Yankees

Bellinger also possesses a strong contact approach with a low strikeout rate (16.1%) and strong plate discipline with a 12.7% walk rate. Bellinger will slide back into left field where he leads all MLB left fielders with 19 defensive runs saved.

Bellinger also provides lineup versatility as he could cover first base and play all outfield spots if needed, which would help to keep the roster fresh or if another injury arises while giving Boone critical lineup flexibility.

His veteran presence in the middle of the batting order could help reignite a spark with an offense that is looking for a revival as they look to make a run in the postseason and withstand their AL East rivals.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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