Just as the New York Yankees are getting one bat healthier, a hole has opened in their rotation.
Outfielder Cody Bellinger was activated from the injured list Sunday ahead of the team’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 1:35 p.m. ET / 10:35 a.m. PT), while left-hander Ryan Weathers was placed on the 15-day IL with a left forearm flexor strain.
Bellinger has not played since July 25 due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
“I’m very excited. I feel good. I’m ready to go,” Bellinger said Saturday.
The Yankees optioned outfielder Max Schuemann to triple-A after Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays in anticipation of Bellinger’s return. The team recalled righty Brendan Beck to replace Weathers.
Bellinger, 31, was in the midst of a second straight strong season with the Yankees prior to injury. In 102 games, he was hitting .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs to go with 10 stolen bases.
The Scottsdale, Ariz., native was named to the American League All-Star Team for his efforts.
Weathers left Saturday’s start in the fourth inning after feeling pain following a pitch to Blue Jays outfielder Myles Straw.
Acquired from the Marlins in January, Weathers is 5-8 with a 3.60 ERA in 25 starts this year. He allowed two runs and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings before leaving.
Bellinger’s return brings the Yankees one step closer to their ideal lineup. However, Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) remain sidelined.
Judge, who has been out since May 31, resumed swinging a bat earlier this week, but his return remains unclear, with the Yankees only saying they expect him to play again this season.
Stanton, meanwhile, suffered a setback in his rehab, straining his left calf while attempting to come back from a right calf strain. His season is now in jeopardy, Boone said Saturday.
The Yankees (73-56) sat three games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East division lead entering action Sunday.