Yankees update on Cody Bellinger not good

PHILADELPHIA — Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger’s first trip to Philly this month was a lot more enjoyable than this weekend’s return.

Less painful, too.

Forced out of Saturday night’s game with left hamstring discomfort, Bellinger was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Rookie outfielder Spencer Jones was recalled from Triple-A to take Bellinger’s roster spot.

Bellinger got hurt rounding first base on his double in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ 3-1 win over the Phillies. He finished the half inning, then was replaced in left field for the home eighth by Max Schuemann.

The slugger will return to New York on Monday for an MRI. He’s cautiously optimistic about returning to action sooner than later.

“It’s a little tight, but I didn’t wake up worse, so that’s good,” Bellinger told reporters before Sunday night’s series finale against the Phillies.

“I just feel like I won’t be able to put on the cleats for the next four days, at least. So being short a man for that long, they’ll get a full roster up here and give the guys as much opportunity as they can.”

Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence that Jones can capably fill in – at least until the August 3 trade deadline. General manager Brian Cashman may or may not use Bellinger’s injury as a catalyst to acquiring another outfielder.

In 54 Triple-A games this year, Jones has slashed .273/.385/.557 with 14 homers and 52 RBIs.

“I think (Jones) is capable of having success up here, and I think he’s ready to have success up here,” Boone said.

“Now you’ve got to go do it, obviously, but I’ll try to get him in matchups that are good and favorable. I feel like he can add something to our lineup.”

Along with Jones, Jose Caballero, Amed Rosario and Schuemann are candidates to fill in for Bellinger. Three-time MVP Aaron Judge, the Yanks’ starting right fielder, hasn’t played since May 31 due to a fractured rib and likely won’t return until September.

“You hate seeing your guys go out, but we’ve got a game tonight and it’s a game we’re capable of winning,” Boone said. “We’ve faced our share [of injuries] here over the last several weeks, but I think we’ve also proven to ourselves we can win games, too.”

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