The Los Angeles Dodgers may have earned with a thrilling comeback win against the San Diego Padres in the series opener at Petco Park, but it was not without a couple of heart-stopping moments.
The first came in the third inning when Hunter Renfroe’s line drive went off Clayton Kershaw’s throwing shoulder. Kiké Hernandez made the play for the third out and Kershaw calmly walked to the dugout as if nothing happened.
He remained in the game and proceeded to get through six innings, turning in a fourth quality start in as many outings this season. Although Kershaw surrendered a pair of home runs, he also picked up six strikeouts.
In the fourth, Cody Bellinger remained down on one knee and grabbed at his right shoulder after coming up empty on a diving attempt at a groundball. Bellinger was checked on by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer prior to remaining in the game.
Following the Dodgers’ 4-3 victory, Bellinger revealed his shoulder momentarily came dislodged and he experienced a similar situation last season, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
#Dodgers Cody Bellinger said his right shoulder "popped out" on that dive at 1B. Has happened before (once last year). Popped right back in. "I'm fine now." Roberts said they'll see if there's any residual soreness tomorrow
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) May 4, 2019
In addition to shaking off the discomfort to continue playing first base, Bellinger pulled a ringing double into left field in the sixth inning. The hit was his only on an uncharacteristic night as Bellinger struck out three times in five at-bats.
While the Dodgers have assembled a roster full of quality depth and previously managed to withstand injuries to Rich Hill, Kershaw, Corey Seager and Justin Turner, among others over recent seasons, they’d be hard-pressed to move forward without Bellinger.
He leads the Majors in runs (32), hits (49), RBI (38), batting average (.415), on-base percentage (.489), slugging (.847), on-base plus slugging (1.337) and total bases (100). Bellinger’s 14 home runs are tied with Milwaukee Brewers right fielder and reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich for the MLB lead.
Bellinger was rewarded for his record-breaking start to the 2019 season by being named NL Player of the Month for the first time in his career. He additionally was named NL Player of the Week for March 31-April 7.
The expectation was for Bellinger to be in the lineup Saturday as the Dodgers continued their series with the Padres, but he did not start or play. Bellinger did appear in the on-deck circle to pinch-hit on multiple occasions and should be in Sunday’s lineup.
The Dodgers don’t have an off day until Monday, May 13.
