The New York Yankees announced a roster move after their 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on August 22. Utilityman Max Schuemann has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre.
Schuemann’s demotion paves the way for Cody Bellinger to return from the injured list. Bellinger suffered a strained left hamstring on July 25 and has been on the IL since.
The 31-year-old outfielder just completed his rehab assignment with Scranton Wilkes-Barre and rejoined the team. Bellinger told reporters that he’ll be activated ahead of their next game.
The Yankees will be glad to get one of their top hitters back from injury. Since June, the club has scored the second-fewest runs (277) in MLB.
Despite the scoring drought, New York has maintained a 37-32 record. They’re still within striking distance of the American League East lead, sitting 3.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays. New York also carries a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the AL Wild Card spot.
Yankees Expected to Activate Cody Bellinger From IL
GettyCody Bellinger’s return to the Yankees couldn’t come a minute sooner. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Cody Bellinger has been excellent in his second year in the Bronx, slashing .259/.320/.450 with 11 home runs and a 119 wRC+. He was named an All-Star for the first time as a Yankee, taking home the game’s MVP honors.
New York has battled injuries to their starting lineup. They’re down at least three of their nine regular starters at this point of the season.
Aaron Judge has been out since June with a fractured right rib cage. The latest update on the four-time MVP winner is that he’ll begin a hitting progression program.
Additionally, the team got even tougher injury news before the game. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton suffered a major setback in his rehab from a calf injury. The Yankees face the possibility that Stanton might not play again in 2026.
The team is relying a lot on Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. for offense at this juncture of the season. The two rookies have been up to the challenge so far, but the club can’t rely on them for too long.
The hope is the Yankees get Judge back for the postseason and that he’ll hit as he has since the start of the 2022 season. They’ll also need second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice to step up and provide more offense than they have the last two-plus months.
Yankees Demote Max Schuemann
GettyYankees infielder Max Schuemann is headed to the minors for the third time in 2026. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images)
Max Schuemann was called up from Triple-A when the club placed third baseman Ryan McMahon on the 10-day injured list with a left thumb sprain on August 21. He did not start either game against Toronto before getting sent back down.
On the season, the utility infielder has gotten into 42 games. Schuemann is batting .194 with a .694 OPS in 87 plate appearances this season. More or less, he’s functioned as the 26th player on the team’s roster.
This move marks the third time that Schuemann has been optioned to Triple-A. Players can be sent down a maximum of five times this season. The Yankees cannot recall the 29-year-old before September 6, except to replace an injured player.
Yankees Announce Roster Move Ahead of Cody Bellinger’s Return