Yankees Outfielder Returns to Lineup Following Illness
On Monday evening, while watching the NCAA men’s basketball championship game from his Detroit hotel room, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger indulged in a plate of traditional bone-in chicken wings. What began as a simple meal turned into a night of discomfort. Bellinger recounted, “They were good coming in. But I woke up at 4 a.m. sweating and just started throwing up for a few hours. It was a tough morning.”
Unplanned Absence For Bellinger
The aftermath of the meal rendered Bellinger unable to participate in Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that Bellinger was “throwing up all night,” attributing the illness to the suspect wings. Despite his condition, Bellinger was available off the bench but remained unused during the Yankees’ 5-0 loss.
Demonstrating resilience, Bellinger returned to the lineup for Wednesday’s series finale at Comerica Park. Reflecting on his recovery, he shared, “I slept a ton last night. My one time before was 24 hours, so I’m just hydrating and getting ready … .” However, his comeback was challenging; Bellinger went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the Yankees’ 4-3 victory, avoiding a series sweep.
Swearing Off Wings
The ordeal has left a lasting impression on Bellinger. He humorously declared, “I can say I will not eat … . I swear. Because the thought of … .” This isn’t his first encounter with food poisoning; Bellinger recalled a similar experience during a 2023 series in London with the Chicago Cubs, which helped him recognize the symptoms promptly.
Cody Bellinger is swearing off chicken wings for a long time pic.twitter.com/vRmXN6WzD7
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 9, 2025
This season marks a pivotal chapter in Bellinger’s career. After a bounce-back year with the Cubs in 2024, he’s looking to recapture his MVP-caliber form in the Bronx. Though his start with the Yankees has been modest, both the team and Bellinger remain optimistic that once he finds his rhythm — and keeps his meals a little safer — he’ll be a cornerstone of the lineup. His combination of power, defense, and veteran experience makes him a key figure in New York’s pursuit of another championship.
As Bellinger continues to adjust to his new role with the Yankees after his offseason trade from the Cubs, he aims to put this incident behind him and focus on contributing to the team’s success. With a current batting average of .233, one home run, and six RBIs, Bellinger is determined to regain his form and make a significant impact in the lineup.
