Cody Bellinger is moving out of the outfield on Thursday.
The New York Yankees have Bellinger starting at first base for the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, marking his first start at first base in 2026. He has appeared there three times this season, but always coming off the bench.
Bellinger signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract with the Yankees in January and is hitting .248 with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs this season. He was named to his third career All-Star team last weekend and will represent the Yankees at the Midsummer Classic on July 14 at Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.
New York enters Thursday’s game against the Rays with a 50-42 record and a 2-8 record in their last 10 games. They are now chasing the Rays to get back to the top of the American League East.
The move continues a trend under manager Aaron Boone, who has repeatedly reshuffled the lineup and infield this season while the offense searches for answers and to limit errors in the field.
Veteran Paul Goldschmidt, who has handled most of the first base duties this season, is out of the lineup, opening the door for Bellinger to slide over from left field. Jasson Dominguez takes over in right field, Trent Grisham at center field, and Max Schuemann moves to left.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Bellinger will settle in at first base, a position he spent a majority of his time at during the early stages of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the Yankees manage with injuries to key players, including Aaron Judge, Boone has no choice but to shuffle the lineup.
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