Yes: it is likely to be reacting to having been handled. Was this large specimen (I would have bought a one gallon pot size or smaller) established in a tub when purchased? If it was dug up out of the ground worse effects may be yet to come.

If you are in southern California the situation may be different but up here this species is a bit of a weed. 59 other species of cotoneasters have also been identified growing wild in Seattle. None are native.

It was on the large size for being in a one gallon pot. I'm getting the feeling that it's doing well and that the bit of yellowing is finished. Thanks for your advise. Yes, also re being a weed, I read that it is invasive and a no-no in some parts of the country. I do just love this shrub though and think it is so natural and formal at the same time, it looks to me like the perfect "country garden" specimen. I think it's adapting well though now after the sparse yellowing. Thanks.