Apr 6, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Cody Bellinger (35) enters the dugout to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Cody Bellinger to miss out Yankees-Tigers Match-up – What happened to Cody Bellinger?

Yankees adjust lineup as Cody Bellinger sits out with illness; Trent Grisham steps up in his absence.

The New York Yankees had to make a last-minute adjustment to their lineup on Tuesday afternoon after outfielder Cody Bellinger was scratched from the starting order against the Detroit Tigers. The 29-year-old slugger, who was set to take the field, had a rough night after consuming chicken wings, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Bellinger spent the night battling illness and was unable to play. Fortunately for the Yankees, Boone assured reporters that no other team members have shown symptoms.

“Food poisoning, we think, He’s been throwing up all night. Hopefully, he feels a little bit better now. We’ll see if we can get him going and make him somehow available as the game goes. We’ll see how it unfolds.” : Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before the game.

After food poisoning scare, Cody Bellinger gives Detroit wings another shot #RepBX https://t.co/EcISZ9O835
— Pinstripes Nation (@pinstripesnat) April 8, 2025

“I think he had some wings, maybe,” said Boone

Tuesday’s absence marked Bellinger’s third missed game in the last five. Earlier in the week, he sat out two games against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to a stiff back. After returning to the lineup on Sunday, he played in Monday’s 6-2 loss to the Tigers but was sidelined once again on Tuesday due to his illness.

Bellinger, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in an offseason trade, was brought in to help fill the void left by Juan Soto’s departure to the New York Mets. The former NL MVP has had a slow start to his Yankees tenure, batting .233 with one home run and six RBIs in 30 at-bats across eight games. While he has played in multiple outfield positions, left field, center field, and right field—his consistency at the plate remains a work in progress.

With Bellinger out, center fielder Trent Grisham stepped into the lineup on Tuesday. Unlike Bellinger, Grisham has been on fire early this season. In his first nine games, he posted an impressive .423 batting average with three home runs and nine RBIs, making him a crucial offensive contributor. His hot streak has helped the Yankees maintain their strong standing in the AL East.

Meanwhile, switch-hitting rookie Jasson Domínguez took over in left field, giving the Yankees another exciting young player to watch.

Yankees Aim to Maintain AL East Dominance

Heading into Tuesday’s matchup, the Yankees boasted a 6-4 record, sitting atop the AL East. Carlos Carrasco was the starting pitcher for New York, while the Tigers countered with 2024 AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

With Bellinger sidelined again, the Yankees are hoping he can recover quickly and find his rhythm at the plate. As the season progresses, New York will need him to regain his All-Star form to bolster their offense and solidify their push for another playoff run.

For now, the team is relying on their depth and red-hot contributors like Grisham to carry the load. Yankees fans will be eager to see if Bellinger can shake off his early struggles and become the impact player they were expecting when they traded for him this offseason.

Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Cody Bellinger

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Anamika Shrivastava

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