Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger is slated to be activated on Sunday, following a two-game rehab stint that included six innings in the outfield for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday. Bellinger reported that his hamstring held up during his rehab games, stating his goal is to "come in, help the team win as much as I can and play my best ball."
Bellinger's return comes after a four-week absence. The Yankees' outfield alignment has shifted during this period, with the emergence of Spencer Jones and the team utilizing Heliot Ramos. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that the team might employ a platoon in right field until Aaron Judge's potential return, but he declined to provide specifics on the right-field arrangement. There is also a possibility that Spencer Jones could be optioned to the minors, depending on the club's decision regarding the versatility of Max Schuemann.
Aaron Judge's rehabilitation from a fractured rib is reportedly progressing well. He has begun hitting and advanced to tee-and-toss drills, though he has not yet faced machine or live pitching. Boone stated that Judge is "throwing, running, lifting" and appears to be in good condition, with the focus now on building his physical readiness.
Separately, pitcher Max Fried threw his first bullpen session since being placed on the injured list with a recurrence of an elbow bone bruise. No immediate update was provided on how the session went.
Bellinger's return offers a potential boost to the Yankees lineup, which has also been impacted by other player health concerns, including a recent calf strain for Giancarlo Stanton.