Cody Bellinger missed the Yankees’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to a stiff back that flared up during the previous day’s match against the Diamondbacks. Manager Aaron Boone decided to play it safe and keep Bellinger out of the lineup. He expressed concern about the injury, saying, “Not something I want to mess with,” but added that he didn’t think it was anything serious.
Bellinger felt slightly better after Thursday’s game but after a late-night flight and arriving at the team hotel around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, the Yankees opted to rest him. Boone expected Bellinger to be available off the bench, although the team didn’t need him in their 9-4 victory.
This isn’t the first back issue for a new Yankee this season. Paul Goldschmidt, another key addition to the team, also dealt with back problems during spring training but has since recovered.
With Bellinger sidelined, Trent Grisham took over in center field for the second consecutive game. The Yankees are facing other injury concerns as well. Reliever Scott Effross is dealing with a setback in his recovery from a hamstring strain, which has delayed his return to the mound. Effross initially injured his hamstring during a Grapefruit League game in February.
In roster moves, the Yankees designated veteran reliever Adam Ottavino for assignment to make room for Devin Williams, who returned from the paternity list. Ottavino had just signed with the Yankees earlier in the week and made two scoreless appearances before being let go.
The team also signed utility player Cooper Hummel to a minor league deal. Hummel, who can play multiple positions, has struggled in the majors but has shown promise in Triple-A.
On the injury front, left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek is nearing a rehab assignment, while Luis Gil is about a week away from starting to throw again after a long recovery from a lat strain. Jake Cousins is also set to get back on the mound soon.
As the Yankees deal with these injuries, they continue to focus on maintaining their performance on the field.