New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger has lived up to expectations this year after re-signing on a five-year, $162.5 million deal to keep him in the Bronx for the foreseeable future this past offseason.
Across 83 games, the 30-year-old veteran has posted a .258 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, .797 OPS, 11 home runs and 49 RBIs, helping the Yankees get off to a strong record past the halfway mark.
New York enters Tuesday at 48-36, sitting just 1.5 games back of first place in the American League East behind the Tampa Bay Rays. Bellinger is currently in position to make his first All-Star Game since 2019.
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However, his production at the plate has been wildly inconsistent between home and away games. At Yankee Stadium, Bellinger has been one of the best hitters in baseball with an OPS over 1.000.
On the road, though, he has struggled badly, batting just .182 with eight extra-base hits across 46 games. That struggle has carried into New York's current road trip, where Bellinger is just 2-for-27, prompting manager Aaron Boone to give him a breather.
Ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Tigers, Boone appeared on the Talkin' Yanks podcast and explained the decision to sit Bellinger.
He acknowledged the home and road splits but said Bellinger's underlying swing decisions have still been solid, suggesting the results will turn around. The day off is simply meant to give him a reset.
"I do think that will move closer to in line with how good of a player he is. Although I'm giving him tonight off. Give him a day. At least a start," Boone said.
Bellinger should still be available off the bench for a pinch-hit appearance if necessary, as he is fully healthy. Max Schuemann will draw the start in left field in his place.
