Less than two months removed from helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win their first World Series title since 1988, Cody Bellinger has remained in the picture during the offseason, in part due to his character in the brand new “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla” video game.
Bellinger is also on the mend from last month’s right shoulder surgery. The operation was necessary after he dislocated it during a home run celebration with Kiké Hernandez during Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.
Bellinger will soon be able to swing a bat again and is on track to be 100% healthy by the final week of January. That would be roughly two weeks prior to the start of Spring Training next year, assuming it isn’t delayed.
During the Dodgers Holiday Zoom Party, Bellinger provided an update on his recovery timeline. “I had surgery and I’m going to Camelback Ranch,” he said. “Or, not every day but Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. I won’t be doing anymore elbow high fives.
“But even if I do, I think it will be sturdy when the season comes.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts elaborated on the progress Bellinger has made, saying, “He’s doing really well, kind of rehabbing at Camelback Ranch. Honestly, once it happened in the postseason, I was just afraid he couldn’t post the days following.
“He’s recovering well, ahead of schedule — what that means I really don’t know right now. For me, for him to be ready to be somewhat active once we start Spring Training, that’s kind of the hope. I’m just happy he came out of it really well.
“The docs, trainers and Cody, everyone is optimistic. It won’t change his position. I just don’t see how he won’t be our center fielder.”
Dodgers Holiday Zoom Party highlights
In addition to Bellinger and Roberts, others to participate in the Dodgers Holiday Zoom Party included AJ Pollock, Brusdar Graterol, Corey Knebel and Clayton Kershaw. The virtual event was hosted by Joe Davis and Alanna Rizzo.
Pollock helped open the hour-long special by reflecting on the year, while Graterol was happy to discuss the Dodgers’ accomplishments on the field and his recent engagement.
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