Cody Bellinger could return to the New York Yankees' lineup as early as Sunday, provided his rehabilitation progresses without any setbacks. Bellinger, who has been sidelined with a Grade II hamstring strain, completed his first rehab game as a designated hitter on Thursday, going 1-for-3. He then played six innings in left field for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, though he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.
If activated for Sunday's series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays, Bellinger would have missed four weeks and one day. His return comes as a welcome addition for a Yankees team that has also been without key players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
The roster implications of Bellinger's impending return were a topic of discussion. Initially, players like Spencer Jones or Amed Rosario were considered potentially vulnerable. However, with Ryan McMahon placed on the injured list Friday due to a thumb sprain and Max Schuemann recalled, Schuemann is now the most likely player to be removed from the active roster. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that while Anthony Volpe was considered as a replacement for McMahon, Schuemann's defensive versatility and Bellinger's imminent return factored into the decision to recall Schuemann instead.
In other team news, pitcher Brent Headrick continued his strong performance, extending a streak of not allowing runs to 38 of his last 43 games. Reliever Paul Blackburn also pitched effectively. The Yankees also signed right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan to a minor league deal after he was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals.
The Yankees held a moment of silence before the game for Tommy John, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 83.