The New York Yankees finally got star outfielder Cody Bellinger back from the injured list on Sunday. For the first time, Bellinger and rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. were in the same lineup for a regular-season game.
Lombard’s father, George Lombard Sr., served as a Dodgers coach when Bellinger played with Los Angeles. Bellinger, 31, remembers seeing a 13-year-old Lombard Jr. taking groundballs at shortstop next to Corey Seager prior to games at Dodger Stadium.
New York Yankees’ Cody Bellinger Makes George Lombard Jr. Statement
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 04: George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees grounds out in his first at-bat of his MLB debut during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 04, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“To be teammates with him is pretty wild, man,” Bellinger said to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic (subscription required). “It is. He’s such a good baseball player, and he was even impressive at his young age. He’s got the mentality. He wants to be great.”
Looking at George Lombard Jr.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a RBI double hit by Spencer Jones #78 (not pictured) during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 23, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Lombard is the Yankees’ No. 1 overall prospect. He ranks N0. 14 overall in MLB.
The Yankees promoted the young shortstop to the majors on Aug. 4.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: José Caballero #72 of the New York Yankees hits a sacrifice fly with George Lombard Jr. #96 scoring on the play in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Lombard has hit .288/.348/.407 with two home runs, a double and five RBI across 17 games with the Yankees.
He has been serving as New York’s starting shortstop since being promoted to the big leagues.
Looking at Cody Bellinger
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees at bat during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 23, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Yankees activated Bellinger from the IL on Sunday. He had been sidelined since late July with a left hamstring strain.
Bellinger represented the Yankees in this summer’s All-Star Game. In 103 games with New York this season, Bellinger has hit .259/.349/.418 with 11 home runs and 53 RBI.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 23: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 23, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Yankees re-signed Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract this offseason. The Yankees acquired him in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in the 2024-25 offseason.
Before playing for the Cubs, Bellinger played for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He won an MVP, Rookie of the Year Award and a World Series ring with Los Angeles.
New York Yankees Star Cody Bellinger Makes George Lombard Jr. Statement