The Yankees got their seat booked at the ALDS after a wild-card win over the Red Sox. However, the team’s celebration was short-lived. When the Yankees were preparing to showcase their power against the Jays, the team received some sad news regarding Cody Bellinger. In a series that is projected to be tight, where a minimum mistake can also cause vital implications, the Yankees suddenly have a reason to be uneasy.

Cody Bellinger has quietly become the face of the team and the heartbeat of this new-look team lineup, not just with his bat, but also with his elite performance in defense and base-running power. However, the Jays loom as a tough opponent, specifically, on their unforgiving Rivers center situation. The Yankees arrive bruised, and the Jays could be missing Bo Bichette. However, that does not minimize the stakes.

The real issue surfaced when analyst Joel Sherman of the New York Post highlighted that Bellinger is facing a left heel injury. “Cody Bellinger has a left heel injury. He says it’s not a big deal. The Yankees say it’s not a big deal. I watched Cody Bellinger move around yesterday — he was not moving great,” he said.

“This is not a forgiving turf. He’s got to play two games on here. And on defense, in particular, cutting balls off, we see Bellinger is an attack dog on defense. He’s part of a more athletic Yankee group on offense… If Bellinger is compromised, it takes away a real defensive, base-running, overall element from the Yankees. It’s something to watch early in this series”, he added.

Sherman’s statement hit a nerve once Bryan Hoch reported that the Yankees star limped after Game 3 against the Red Sox. Bellinger injured his foot while sliding into second base on a double in the fourth inning. However, he stayed in the game. Bellinger was provided with treatment on Thursday night and said to reporters that he expects to play in Game 1 of the ALDS. Aaron Boone also confirmed the same. However, he also updated that Ryan McMahon is healthy. The manager’s confidence is reassuring. However, the image of Cody Bellinger hobbling off the field lingers.

The vital concern in this moment for Yankees fans is how much Bellinger’s injury affects the star’s performance in a series where defense is vital. Cody Bellinger is known for an explosive first step and his sharp defensive capability and a minor limitation at this period could hamper the Yankees’ outfield range, specifically against the Jays that thrives on turning the page in extra-base hits.

While the Yankees are sweating over Bellinger’s heel, the situation for the Jays is not improving either. In fact, the Jays’ most elite weapon will be watching the game from the dugout.

Bo Bichette’s untimely blow leaves Blue Jays vulnerable at a vital moment

The ripple effect from an unhappy September slide has hit the Jays at the worst time. Nearly one month ago, the Jays’ star Bo Bichette got injured during a period of play at home plate. He hit his knee while trying to score the game-tying run against the Yankees. It was Cody Bellinger whose throw and a collision with catcher Austin Wells turned a routine slide into a lingering concern. What the Jays initially thought would be minor has become vital. Now, it is costing the Jays their star shortstop for the ALDS.

The Jays announced before Game 1 against the Yankees that Bo Bichette would miss the game. The star’s absence will leave a glaring gap in their lineup and inform. The team will rely on Andrés Giménez, who is a Gold Glove second baseman, and he will now need to handle shortstop responsibilities. However, his glove can not copy Bichette’s bat.

Bo Bichette guided the team with 181 hits and a .311 average in 139 games and came close to becoming the first 200-hit player of the season. He was a difference-maker against the Yankees, where he hit .281 with a .599 slugging percentage in nine games, and such numbers provided the Jays an upper hand in the period of regular season.

Losing him is not just related to loading a good start. It is related to the loading balance. The timing could not be worse for the Jays. Facing the Yankees, who just beat the Red Sox, will need a power-packed lineup. During this period, Bichette’s absence will hurt the team. However, the Yankees will also be under pressure with the injured Bellinger.