Dodgers: Dave Roberts Talks Cody Bellinger Health, Opening Day Status
The fun was short-lived for Cody Bellinger after hitting one of the biggest home runs of his career. Of course, after cranking the go-ahead solo shot that proved to be the difference-maker for the Dodgers in game 7 of the NLCS, an over-amped Belli separated his right shoulder crashing into an also over-amped Kiké Hernandez in celebration.
While he remained in the game and ultimately didn’t miss a World Series game (he was relegated to DH in game 4 after a late scratch), he did undergo surgery in the offseason to correct a lingering issue.
On Tuesday, concerns about his status were quelled with a video from the Dodgers’ social media team.
One of the best sights of the day. Cody Bellinger taking hacks at Camelback. Notably, Doc called him a "full participant" this spring. pic.twitter.com/2ZYSAA0JBz
— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) February 24, 2021
Any lingering concern was quelled further by Dave Roberts on Tuesday afternoon.
I think he’s a full participant … He’s got a good program with the hitting guys. I didn’t see him, but my assumption is that he did.
The next big question, with opening day about 6 weeks away, will the 2019 NL MVP be ready and in the lineup?
I do expect him to be ready for Opening Day. If he’s not, we’ll adjust, and that’s OK. I think that’s his mindset. … Where he’s at right now physically, [he’s] right on track.
Understandably, there is a lot of camp left for Doc and the Dodgers. Moreover, if Bellinger isn’t healthy enough to answer the bell on April 1st in Colorado, the club has ample options to fill in at the centerfield position. AJ Pollock played a fair amount of games there during the 2020 regular season and in the postseason. And Chris Taylor has seen a lot of time at the position since he joined the team in 2016.
The season is back to a full 162 game marathon… there’s no need to rush anything.
NEXT: Andre Ethier’s Advice for Trevor Bauer, Will Bauer’s Vlogging Be a Distraction for LA?
