Judge’s Absence Elevates Bellinger’s Role
Aaron Judge is out indefinitely with a strained right calf, and New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team was “not expecting” him to be available for the wild-card series beginning next week.
With Judge sidelined, Cody Bellinger’s role has become even more important than it has been for much of the season as the Yankees navigate the playoffs without their primary power hitter. Bellinger entered the postseason with a $36.5 million salary this year, which is second only to Judge’s $40 million.
Bellinger hit second against right-hander Nick Martinez in Game 1 on Tuesday, a spot he has mostly split with Ben Rice during Judge’s absence. He provided all the scoring in a 2-0 win over Tampa Bay at The Bronx Stadium with a two-run shot in the game. The home run was his 17th of the season and his fifth in his past 12 games.
Manager Praises Bellinger’s Adjustment
Boone noted that Bellinger went through a slump and a hamstring injury earlier in the year but is now “dialed in” and hitting line drives all over the ballpark.
Bellinger credited teammate Ben Rice for having a great at-bat in front of him, noting it was a close game. He said following the win that any chance the Yankees have without Judge will be due to a collective effort and that he is “not trying to do too much at all.”
Bellinger stated that the team is taking things “one game at a time” and that they believe in each other in the locker room. He emphasized the need to continue winning games by playing for and leaning on each other, while acknowledging that having Judge on the team helps tremendously.
Defensive Contribution and Roster Depth
Bellinger contributed defensively by starting an inning-ending double play after Victor Mesa Jr. opened the sixth with a single. Mesa did not get back to first in time to beat Bellinger’s strong throw.
Bellinger said the team has “a lot of talent” and “a lot of depth,” noting that different guys have stepped up, including first-year players and those traded to the team.
Resilience After Summer Injury
The Yankees have stayed in the postseason picture despite Judge missing three-plus months earlier this summer with a fractured rib. The team now faces the challenge of maintaining that momentum without their star outfielder for the immediate future.