New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger has experienced a setback with his back while preparing for the upcoming season, forcing him to miss recent spring games. Meanwhile, Colorado Rockies centerfielder Brenton Doyle is dealing with a wrist sprain, confirmed by an MRI, though his Opening Day status remains intact. These developments raise concerns for both teams as Opening Day approaches.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone reported that Bellinger’s back
“went out on him a little bit,”
causing the outfielder to sit out Saturday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field. Bellinger also missed Sunday’s Spring Training game versus the Philadelphia Phillies and is currently expected to return by Tuesday.
Boone added,
“He’ll probably be, I’m guessing, a couple days. He was quite a bit better today. Trainers aren’t too concerned about it. And this is something that crops up on him every now and then, usually sometime in spring or early in the year.”
The Yankees are proceeding cautiously given Bellinger’s history with this recurring back issue, which sidelined him for several games last April.
Maintaining Bellinger’s health is crucial as the Yankees largely retain the same core roster from last year, and he remains a vital component of the team’s plans heading into the season.
Brenton Doyle Faces Wrist Sprain, Yet Remains on Track for Opening Day
Colorado Rockies star Brenton Doyle is currently sidelined due to a sprained left wrist, as evidenced by recent MRI results. The injury has kept him out of the last three Spring Training games, and he might continue to sit out until medical staff deem him healthy enough to return. However, this wrist sprain does not appear to threaten his availability for Opening Day.
Doyle had a mixed offensive season last year, batting .233 with a .274 on-base percentage and a .376 slugging mark across 538 plate appearances. He is eager to bounce back in 2026 after an impressive 2024 season where he hit 23 home runs and stole 30 bases. His value extends beyond hitting, highlighted by exceptional baserunning skills and outstanding defense, which earned him two Gold Glove awards.
There has been some trade speculation surrounding Doyle, but the Rockies are firm on retaining him under team control through the 2029 season. He is slated for a $3.1 million salary this year, underscoring the organization’s commitment to his role as a key player in their outfield.
Season Outlook and Team Implications Amid Injury Concerns
The timing of Bellinger’s back trouble and Doyle’s wrist sprain brings a sense of anxiety and urgency for both the Yankees and Rockies as they aim to enter the season with full strength. Bellinger’s recurring condition, while manageable, requires careful monitoring to avoid jeopardizing his contributions, especially given the Yankees’ reliance on his performance. Meanwhile, the Rockies remain cautiously optimistic about Doyle’s recovery, as his skills are integral to their lineup and defensive strategy.
With Spring Training still underway, the teams will closely observe both players’ progress to determine their readiness. The impact of these injuries will be felt not only in the immediate games missed but also in setting the tone for each team’s competitiveness in the upcoming MLB season.
Cody Bellinger will need a few days after his back “went out on him a little bit”, per Aaron Boone
(Via @M_Marakovits) pic.twitter.com/ZlKoziSPpW
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) February 28, 2026
