New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger will not begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday as previously reported [1, 2].
The delay affects the team's timeline for integrating a key offensive player back into the lineup as the season progresses. Any setback or shift in recovery timing can impact the roster's depth and strategic planning.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided the update on Sunday after the team defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 4-3 [1] in a 10-inning game [4]. The comments followed a prior statement suggesting a Tuesday start for the outfielder's return process.
"I misspoke earlier when I said Cody would start his rehab assignment on Tuesday," Boone said [1].
Bellinger is recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain [3]. According to the Yankees medical staff, the outfielder is approximately three weeks removed from the injury [3]. While he completed a full pre-game workout on Friday at Rogers Centre, he is not yet cleared for game action [3].
"He’s still not ready; we’ll look at getting him in later this week," Boone said [2].
While some reports suggested the rehab process could potentially slide into next week [3], Boone said the team is targeting a start later this week [2]. The clarification comes as the Yankees continue their series in Toronto, where the team secured a narrow victory on Sunday [1].
The timing of the return remains fluid as the medical staff monitors Bellinger's response to his recent workouts [3]. The team has not specified which minor league affiliate will host the rehab assignment, but the focus remains on the outfielder's readiness to return to full-speed activity.
“"I misspoke earlier when I said Cody would start his rehab assignment on Tuesday."”
The shift in Bellinger's timeline highlights the precarious nature of recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which involves a partial tear of the muscle. By delaying the rehab assignment, the Yankees are prioritizing a full recovery over a rushed return, reducing the risk of a re-injury that could sideline the outfielder for the remainder of the season.
