New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger had an exciting All-Star Game experience. In the American League's 4-0 win, the slugger went 1-for-3, knocking in two RBIs. He was recognized for his efforts after the game, being named the All-Star Game MVP.
While he continues to soak up the All-Star break experience, he and the Yankees are preparing for their three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which starts on Friday. Despite the time off, though, New York won't be at full strength.
Outfielder Aaron Judge has been on the 10-day injured list since June 5, and according to MLB.com, has an expected return of "possibly August."
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The team has felt his absence. Since playing in his last game on May 31, the Yankees have gone just 18-19, compared to 36-23 with him in the lineup. When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bellinger admitted that the rest of the lineup must do better with Judge not playing.
“It’s been hard,” Bellinger said. “I think, you know, I think all of us understand you can't just put it all on one player. Like he’s probably, he is the best player in the game, like hitter, you know? So losing that bat definitely hurts… It’s up to us; we got to play better. We got to step up to the plate and understand that we got to pick it up while he’s gone.”
That may be easier said than done, as Judge is consistently the Yankees' top performer. This season, the three-time MVP is slashing .248/.375/.533 for a .908 OPS in 59 games. Despite having been out for over a month, his 17 home runs are the second-most on the Yankees.
As the Yankees navigate the second half of the season, Bellinger knows the responsibility to stay in contention falls on the rest of the roster. With Judge's return timeline unclear, New York is sitting at 54-42, three games behind the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.
