New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger is expected to be out for a few Spring Training games after experiencing back pain, as reported by MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch on February 28. Manager Aaron Boone revealed that Bellinger’s back “went out on him” on February 27, sidelining him for the two games following against the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. Bellinger last played on February 26 in the team’s 7-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves, where he went hitless in three at-bats.
Boone expressed cautious optimism about Bellinger’s condition, stating,
“He’ll probably, I’m guessing, [miss] a couple of days,”
and added,
“He’s quite a bit better today. So we don’t think it’s anything. The trainers aren’t too concerned about it.”
He also noted,
“This is something that crops up on him every now and then, usually sometime in the spring or earlier in the year. We dealt with it a little bit in-season early last year.”
Overview of Bellinger’s Back Injury History
Bellinger’s back issues first raised concerns back in April 2025 during a series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates when he complained about lower back discomfort radiating to his upper right hip. At that time, he described it as “just a little unaligned,” causing tightness he was familiar with from prior occurrences.
“I’ve had it before multiple times. I just know it’s a few days thing,”
Bellinger explained, according to Hoch. Boone had also downplayed the severity then, stating,
“It’s not something I want to mess with. I don’t think it’s anything too big.”
It remains unclear whether this current pain directly relates to his previous experience, though the 2025 back issue was the most recent notable injury in his Yankees tenure.
Implications of Bellinger’s Injury and Team Outlook
Seeing a key player like Bellinger face recurring back troubles is concerning, especially given his recent signing to a $162.5 million, five-year contract. Despite the worries, the Yankees appear hopeful for a swift recovery, anticipating Bellinger’s return around March 3, just two days after his last absence began.
Bellinger’s previous recovery was robust, concluding the 2025 season with a .272 batting average, a .334 on-base percentage, and a .480 slugging percentage, while hitting 29 home runs and driving in 98 runs over 152 games. Still, this injury will be closely monitored throughout the season.
Meanwhile, this situation may open doors for fringe outfielders such as Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez to gain valuable playing time. The Yankees are also managing an injury to outfielder Giancarlo Stanton, who has been sidelined by bilateral tennis elbow issues and is expected back at the same time as Bellinger.
Should the injuries to Bellinger and Stanton linger, Jones and Domínguez could see increased opportunities to contribute to the team in the outfield.
