Yankees scratch Cody Bellinger from lineup again with lingering back injury

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Cody Bellinger continues to be a notable absence from the Yankees‘ lineup, missing Monday’s matchup against the Kansas City Royals due to ongoing back soreness.

Cody Bellinger sidelined again with back issue as Yankees play Royals

The issue flared up again just before New York opened a series against Kansas City’s right-hander Seth Lugo. When the lineup was posted with Trent Grisham in center field, the decision raised eyebrows, as Grisham typically matches up better against lefties. Hours later, manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Bellinger is still undergoing treatment for the lingering back problem that has now kept him out multiple times this season.

“He’s doing well,” Boone said. “I just want to pick some spots here, especially getting through 13 games in a row.”

The Yankees are currently in the middle of a grueling 13-day stretch without an off day, which included a rain-soaked game in the Bronx last Friday. With the team balancing rest and workload management, Boone and the medical staff are approaching Cody Bellinger’s condition with caution.

Cody Bellinger’s latest issue isn’t entirely new. His back tightness initially emerged during the Yankees’ second series of the year, on the road in Arizona, and it also sidelined him for the opener in chilly Pittsburgh. The outfielder has acknowledged that these flare-ups have happened before and usually resolve on their own. The team is hoping that’s the case again, and that extra rest now prevents a longer-term setback later.

Still, Bellinger’s early-season performance hasn’t lived up to expectations. Signed to provide both defensive stability in center and a left-handed bat with pop, he has struggled to find a rhythm. His absence could open the door for Grisham to carve out more playing time, especially if he continues his hot start.

Grisham, who arrived with little fanfare, has quietly impressed in limited at-bats. He entered Monday hitting .344 (11-for-32) with three home runs and a 1.073 OPS. Oddly, he’s historically been stronger against left-handers, but keeping him in the lineup against righties like Lugo might help maintain his momentum.

The Yankees’ early season has been filled with adjustments and backup plans. With Juan Soto’s expected production anchoring the offense, they’ve also seen a surprising resurgence from Paul Goldschmidt and a workhorse stretch from Max Fried in the rotation. But Bellinger’s inconsistency—and now, his physical limitations—add another question mark to a roster trying to keep pace in a competitive AL East.

While Boone didn’t offer a timetable for Cody Bellinger’s return, his comments suggest the team is prioritizing long-term health over short-term risk.

Whether it’s just a minor tweak or something that lingers longer than anticipated, Cody Bellinger’s status will remain one to watch. For now, the Yankees will look to keep winning without him—hoping their depth can continue to hold things down until he’s fully ready to return.

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