One of the signature moments of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2020 World Series run was Cody Bellinger hitting a game-winning home run in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. It helped the Dodgers overcome a 3-1 series deficit to the Atlanta Braves and put L.A. in the Fall Classic for a third time in the past four years.
Unfortunately, that incredible moment quickly turned to nervousness among the Dodgers organization and fans as Bellinger dislocated his shoulder while celebrating with Kiké Hernandez after crossing home plate.
Bellinger has dislocated that right shoulder before, so he stayed calm and immediately went back to the training room, where they put it back into place. He was then able to stay in the game in center field and even recorded the final out to send the Dodgers to the World Series.
Bellinger then immediately made his presence felt in the World Series, hitting a two-run home run off Tampa Bay Rays righty Tyler Glasnow to get the scoring started in Game 1.
While Bellinger continued to downplay how much his shoulder potentially was affecting him in the World Series, it appears it was a serious issue as he underwent surgery to fix the issue on Tuesday. Bellinger is expected to require 10 weeks of rehab and should be ready for Spring Training in 2021.
Within that, it will be at least one month before he can resume swinging, according to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
Cody Bellinger underwent surgery on his right shoulder today, per source, as @JeffPassan first reported.
Recovery time will be around 10 weeks. He'll be able to swing a bat in four weeks.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) November 17, 2020
That is certainly good news for Bellinger and the Dodgers, who will be going into 2021 hungry to repeat as champions after winning it all for the first time since 1988.
Bellinger was not able to repeat his 2019 MVP production this season, but he still came up with some huge plays on both sides of the ball in the postseason. His ability to get to 100% health will be key as he looks to rebound overall.
Bellinger posts picture from hospital after successful surgery
After Bellinger underwent his surgery performed by Dr. Neil El Attrache in L.A., he took to Instagram to share that it went well and he is looking forward to being ready for Spring Training.
The shoulder issues have forced Bellinger off a first base in recent years, so look for him to be the team’s everyday center field again in 2021 in order to prevent further damage by diving in the infield.
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