Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Takes a Big Step Towards His Return

The Dodgers are getting back to full health and still winning ballgames despite missing some key pieces. They’ve been without Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy for over a week now, but that has not stopped them from winning most of their games since losing the pair of sluggers. 

But both guys are on their way back. In fact, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday that both could be back for the Padres series. Muncy could possibly return by the second or third game of that series, and Bellinger should be right around there. 

The Dodgers outfielder recently passed a major hurdle in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Bellinger reportedly faced live pitching and took batting practice at Camelback Ranch on Friday. He also ran at full capacity, which Roberts said was a big box to check off. 

That was one marker and the recovery part was another. So those two have been checked and I think that in the days coming, make sure he just continues to keep strength in the hamstring. … As long as we have that, he’s in a good place.

Getting Bellinger back balances out the Dodgers lineup and provides a defensive spark. It also allows Mookie Betts to slide over to his natural position in right field. Los Angeles has gone with a combination of a few different guys in the outfield while he’s been out. 

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But Bellinger’s biggest value is having him right in the heart of the Dodgers order. He might not have the numbers to back that up in 2021, but his numbers over his last few games showed promise. In the month of June, he is slashing .303/.378/..394, albeit with just 1 extra-base hit.

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