TAMPA — Back Pain Affects Yankees Again

It seems back issues have sidelined the Yankees once more.

Manager Aaron Boone mentioned on Friday that Cody Bellinger’s back was “a little bit off,” which led to him missing Saturday’s 5-1 victory over the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field. Although Bellinger won’t be playing in Sunday’s match against the Phillies, there’s hope he can return by Tuesday after a break on Monday.

“I think he’ll probably be hospitalized within a few days,” Boone said. “He seemed to look a lot better today. The trainers aren’t overly concerned. It’s something he’s dealt with occasionally, usually during spring or early in the season.”

At 30, Bellinger has participated in three games this spring, with the last one on Thursday.

The experienced outfielder had a similar back issue last April that kept him out for two games, although he was on a minor league contract at that time. The Yankees are optimistic that he’ll recover quickly this time, too.

Meanwhile, back inflammation also caused Cam Schlitler to ease back early in camp. However, he’s starting to feel better and is set for one more batting practice on Sunday.

The plan is for Giancarlo Stanton to make his spring debut on Tuesday against Panama at Steinbrenner Field. As usual, the veteran DH has been gradually working back into games in hopes of maintaining long-term health.

Stanton has been clear that the tennis elbow pain he experiences in both arms is likely here to stay, yet he has consistently been putting in the effort since camp began, including grounding out to right field on Saturday morning.

In other news, Gerrit Cole, who is rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery, has been making positive strides. Brian Cashman shared that while the rehab process can have its ups and downs, he feels Cole has had mostly good days. “He’s looked solid,” Cashman noted. “It’s hard to predict how age might change things when he returns. Even if everything goes perfectly, there’s a chance he could lose some velocity. But for now, he seems to be doing well.”

Amed Rosario missed Saturday’s lineup because of his World Baseball Classic trip. He was only set for one at-bat in the game before his departure, so the Yankees opted to have him take one at-bat in live batting practice instead. Additionally, Ryan Yarbrough had his appearance postponed after feeling unwell following a start last Monday.