Cody Bellinger is back in the New York Yankees’ lineup after missing Tuesday’s loss to the Detroit Tigers due to food poisoning. The centerfielder explained that the illness struck after eating room service chicken wings. “I’m not eating wings again for five years,” Bellinger joked before the Yankees’ series finale on Wednesday.
Bellinger, who returned to the lineup on Wednesday, batting third and playing center field, had missed three of the previous four games. He was scratched from the lineup twice over the weekend in Pittsburgh due to back stiffness, just as he was starting to find his rhythm with the Yankees. Heading into Monday, Bellinger was hitting .233 with a .611 OPS. Though his power has yet to emerge consistently, he’s shown defensive promise, and his arrival in New York was expected to boost the team’s offense, especially with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.
During Bellinger’s absence, Trent Grisham has stepped up. Over the last six games, Grisham is hitting .391 with three home runs and a 1.266 OPS. He played center field in Tuesday’s loss, hitting a solo homer in the eighth inning.
Bellinger, who was acquired from the Cubs in a major offseason trade, is expected to be a key player in the Yankees’ outfield and offense, especially with the departure of Juan Soto. However, his health remains crucial to his performance, and he’s made it clear: no more wings for him moving forward.
