BREAKING: With Back Issue, Yankees Make Mind-Blowing.
BREAKING: With Back Issue, Yankees Make Mind-Blowing. Cody Bellinger was notably absent from the New York Yankees’ starting lineup on Friday afternoon as they began a road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manager Aaron Boone explained that Bellinger is dealing with what he described as a “minor” back issue, noting that the discomfort began the day before. According to Boone, the outfielder felt some tightness on Thursday, and with the team having taken a short flight to Pittsburgh early Friday, the coaching staff made the call to rest him as a precaution. “I don’t think it’s anything serious,” Boone told reporters, including Greg Joyce of the New York Post.
Although Bellinger wasn’t in the starting lineup, Boone did mention that the 28-year-old could still be available off the bench if needed. For now, his condition is being monitored on a day-to-day basis. Bellinger had started in each of the Yankees’ first six games this season, where he posted a .238 batting average with one home run and six RBIs. He has played a pivotal role both offensively, batting in the heart of the lineup, and defensively, providing stability in center field. His contributions have been part of the Yankees’ promising 4–2 start to the season.
This isn’t the first time Bellinger has experienced back-related setbacks. In both 2021 and 2022, he missed portions of the season due to various side and back injuries. While the current issue doesn’t appear serious, it raises mild concern considering his history.
Injuries have already been a recurring theme for the Yankees early in the 2025 season. Key players like Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Gil began the season on the injured list, and ace pitcher Gerrit Cole has been ruled out for the entire year. With that context, the organization is taking a cautious approach with its everyday players.
Boone emphasized that Bellinger’s day off wasn’t due to a major concern but rather a preventive move. “He’s just a little stiff,” Boone said. “Hopefully it’s nothing more than that.” In Bellinger’s absence, outfielder Trent Grisham got the nod in center field for the series opener.
