The Los Angeles Dodgers got off to a bit of an uneven start this season but enter play Friday with the best record and run differential in baseball. Their success has been despite Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and others not yet meeting expectations.
Though, Bellinger and Muncy have both shown signs of rounding into form over the past week. In Bellinger’s case, his home run Thursday marked a second consecutive night he left he yard. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts considered it a sign the reigning National League MVP was turning the corner.
“For me, even the way he’s carrying himself after he does make an out or something, I think the body language is telling. He’s carrying himself the right way, which allows things to turn a little bit quicker,” Roberts explained.
Some of Bellinger’s struggles were attributed to a new batting stance unveiled during Summer Camp. His mechanics have seemingly been a work in progress since, which Bellinger recently said he was enjoying the challenge of.
Bellinger has seven hits, including four home runs, to go along with seven RBI over his past seven games. “It’s more sticking with the process. Analyzing every at-bat by not results and just kind of going off feel,” he said.
“If it the feel is off, then talking to the hitting coaches. It’s a tough game, so can’t get too up or down.”
He also agreed with Roberts’ characterization of having improved body language. “Not getting too up or too down has been important to me,” Bellinger added.
While he faced lofty expectations heading into the 2020 season, Bellinger claimed to not be pressing amid the slump. “I think in this instance, where the team is so good, it definitely makes it a little easier,” he explained.
“Obviously I don’t want to be hitting like this, but the team is going to have your back if you’re not doing what you should be doing.”
Good look at Clayton Kershaw
Bellinger’s defense in center field largely was not needed as the Dodgers came away with a win over the Seattle Mariners. Clayton Kershaw set a season high with 11 strikeouts as he held the Mariners to just one run — on a Kyle Seager homer.
“That was vintage Kershaw. It was cool watching from center field. I got to see how he was working,” Bellinger said. “Honestly, just standing out there for the most part. It’s fun to watch him. He was on his A game.”
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