CODY BELLINGER IS BACK… AND THE TIMING COULDN’T BE BETTER

Cody Bellinger didn't exactly tear up Triple-A pitching during his rehab assignment.

Good. He didn't need to.

Bellinger is expected back with the Yankees today after missing nearly a month with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. His rehab stop with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was less about batting averages and more about making sure everything still worked.

On Friday, Bellinger went 0-for-3 against Charlotte, but played six innings in left field and, more importantly, actually had to use the hamstring. A couple of fly balls sent him moving around the outfield, he handled them without a problem and walked away healthy.

That's all I needed to see.

Rehab games aren't supposed to be auditions. Bellinger already has the job. They're about getting your legs underneath you, seeing some live pitching and making sure nothing pops, pulls or explodes.

Mission accomplished.

Now Bellinger returns to a Yankee team that needs every healthy, productive bat it can get for the stretch run.

Forget the 0-for-3.

The best number from his rehab assignment was zero setbacks.

Welcome back, Belli. Let's get to work.