Dodgers: Dave Roberts Says it’s “Really Good” to Have Bellinger and McKinstry Back
While the Dodgers suffered an ugly and avoidable loss Friday night to their rivals from the Bay area, they have certainly hit their stride. The rotation has been a huge strength with the bullpen having its shining moments at times. However, the offense has finally started to come around and show signs of the team that started the season really hot.
They’re slated to get even better in that department as reinforcements have finally arrived. Los Angeles made the move to reinstate Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry off of the IL.
Both players should immediately make an impact on both sides of the ball. While the team could have used the pair during their slump, it’s better late than never.
Dodgers’ Manager Dave Roberts mentioned in a pregame press conference that it’s “really good” to have them both back — especially his former MVP — with the team. He was also asked his thoughts on how the team stay afloat with both players missing extended time.
“Having [Cody] back makes us considerably better. Just the presence in the batter’s box, in centerfield… [I’m] not surprised at how we’ve responded with having guys down. …. Just to kind of hold serve until we get Cody and Zach and Corey [Seager] and some other guys back was really good to see.”
Doc added that having the two back in the clubhouse has already brought back a lot of energy. Even hours before game time.
Related: Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry Officially Activated Ahead of Saturday’s Game
Both are slated start in Saturday’s game against the Giants with Belli expected to play the next 5 games straight as he looks to get back into his groove. Bellinger did not start the year off too well and Doc even mentioned that his swing just wasn’t right before hitting the IL. Perhaps spending time in Arizona with assistant hitting coach Aaron Bates, may have been just what he needed while rehabbing.
As for McKinstry, he can have the chance to slide into second or the corner outfield spots and continue the tear he was on before being sidelined.
With the team slowly getting nursed back to health and starting to play at their full potential, the rest of the league should be on high alert. The champs are coming back to defend their title.
NEXT: AJ Pollock Heads Out on Minor League Rehab Assignment
Today Roberts is starting Pujols against a RIGHTIE pitcher, benching both Taylor and Betts.
It’s not just batting, it’s defense and base-running; this is not acceptable managing. The Giants must have been snickering when Dave Roberts managed to have ALBERT PUJOLS deployed as the gift runner on 2nd base in the 10th. That was a strategic coup! And where was our Gold Glove right fielder when Sheldon Neuse misjudged that fly ball that scored 2 runs in the 10th?
Roberts is pathetic managing the bullpen. Dodgers get closer, and Roberts just implodes.
Pujols needs to be released immediately. He is do done it’s not funny. A walking corpse.
Just 2 inches more on that one Pujols hit and he would have been a hero on Friday night.