Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor both were out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the second game of the series against the Oakland Athletics. Though, it wasn’t all that surprising considering they were removed Monday night due to a respective minor injury.
It’s plausible Taylor will enter Tuesday’s game, but only as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement. “Chris is feeling better today,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Potentially could be used to pinch-run, play defense. But extension as far as the swing, doesn’t feel great about that yet.”
Taylor was hit by a pitch in the third inning and though he initially remained in the game after being checked on by Roberts and a trainer, AJ Pollock entered to start the bottom half of the frame.
Roberts said after the win that Taylor didn’t get feeling back in the elbow after being struck by the 96 mph pitch, however X-rays were negative.
Bellinger’s incident occurred in the ninth inning when he was spiked in the left calf by A’s relief pitcher Reymin Guduan. Bellinger limped off the field and like Taylor, was said to be day-to-day.
“Cody, still sore, going to get some tests later today and I should know more by the end of the game as far as results,” Roberts said. “The docs want to make sure what other potential outside of two cleat contusions there might be.
“While there is still soreness, there could be any number of things that they’re still testing. All I do know is there is going to be testing to be as thorough as we possibly can with Cody.”
Bellinger is not considered available off the bench Tuesday night.
Why Betts in center field?
With Bellinger unlikely to play and Taylor available in a limited capacity, the Dodgers are starting Mookie Betts in center field. He played two innings at the position last year but hasn’t started in center since Sept. 7, 2019.
“I just feel that with Clayton, most of the balls and action is going to be out in left field and center field. So to have him willing to go out there and play center, to put McKinstry in right, makes sense,” Roberts explained.
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