Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP and an integral part of the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the 2020 World Series, has been far from the player the team expected him to be this season.
The former Rookie of the Year is hitting .177/.273/.328 with just seven home runs in 220 plate appearances. His wRC+ of 68 means he has been 32% worse than a league-average hitter and it ranks as the 18th-worst in MLB among players with at least 200 plate appearances.
While Bellinger’s bat has not produced near the levels it can, his defense in the outfield has remained strong, which has kept his overall value near that of a replacement-level player.
Bellinger’s role has also been limited to potentially being part of a platoon moving forward because of the addition of Trea Turner, who gives the Dodgers nine starting players for eight spots.
Because of his struggles, Bellinger admitted this season has been a challenging year for him, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
“It’s definitely a unique year for me, it’s definitely a challenge” says Bellinger, who spoke to USA TODAY in a 20-minute interview, promoting Flonase Sensimist, an allergy relief product. “It’s not like anyone has ever gone without struggling. Everyone’s been through something like this. “It’s never easy, but it’s what we signed up for, you know.’’
Some of Bellinger’s struggles are likely related to the multiple injuries he has dealt with, including the offseason shoulder surgery and the leg fracture he dealt with earlier in the season.
Despite his prolonged slump at the plate, manager Dave Roberts recently said Bellinger has continued to work hard and he thinks the results will follow.
“I see continued fight, continued work, consistent work. I think the results will show,” Roberts said. “We’ve just got to continue to keep getting his work, keep strengthening the shoulder and expect good things to happen.”
Some of that could be unfolding at present time, with Bellinger being in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak.
Betts playing through significant hip injury
Mookie Betts has been playing through a hip injury that caused him to spend some time on the 10-day injured list this season. Betts was scratched from the lineup on Tuesday and Roberts admitted he might need to go back on the IL.
Should that come to fruition, Bellinger figures to be in line for more playing time rather than remaining in a platoon situation.
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