AL East Notes: Bellinger, Suarez, Bassitt, Basallo, Matz - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that several AL East clubs are dealing with notable roster and injury developments, led by Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger leaving Saturday’s game against the Phillies in the bottom of the eighth inning because of hamstring tightness. Bellinger is expected to be evaluated further, though he told reporters afterward that the issue felt minor. He had doubled earlier in the inning and also drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth as New York won in Philadelphia and moved into position to pursue a sweep Sunday.

The report noted that if Bellinger is unavailable, Spencer Jones could be a candidate to return to the Yankees, while Max Schuemann, who replaced Bellinger defensively, may see more time in left field. Bellinger has remained an important two-way contributor for New York, following a healthy first Yankees season with above-average offense this year and strong defensive metrics.

In Boston, MLB Trade Rumors cited Alex Speier of the Boston Globe in reporting that the Red Sox expect to activate left-hander Ranger Suarez to start Sunday against the Blue Jays. Suarez had been out since early July because of a groin strain, and an illness pushed back an earlier planned return. Payton Tolle is now lined up for Monday against the Athletics.

The article also said Orioles right-hander Chris Bassitt threw a bullpen session as he works back from back discomfort and surgery, while catcher Samuel Basallo’s rehab from right shoulder inflammation has been paused for a few days. For Tampa Bay, Steven Matz was activated after a month-long absence caused by an ankle sprain, with Chris Roycroft optioned to the minors.