Heading into the postseason there was a strong likelihood Cody Bellinger would be in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for the Wild Card Game, due in part to Max Muncy being available after suffering a dislocated left elbow.
The only question was whether Bellinger would start at first base or center field, and that wound up being the outfield. Bellinger was back in center for Game 1 of the National League Division Series, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested he would remain there for contests at Oracle Park.
However, after Matt Beaty struggled in a second consecutive start, Bellinger was moved to first base so Chris Taylor could start in center field. The decision paid off as they were among the contributors in a 9-2 win that helped the Dodgers pull even in the NLDS before it shifted to Dodger Stadium.
Bellinger had a particularly crucial at-bat as he delivered a two-run double with the bases loaded in the sixth inning. “It felt good,” he said. “Obviously it felt pretty good. C.T. really set the table in front of me with a really, really good at-bat to really simplify my plan and just try to get the run in right there.”
The hit was only Bellinger’s second of the postseason thus far, but he continues to maintain all is well. “I’m feeling good,” Bellinger reiterated prior to Game 2 at Oracle Park. “I’ve been feeling good, not frustrated.”
Struggles throughout the regular season were traced to Bellinger undergoing shoulder surgery late last year, and also spending separate stints on the 10-day injured list for a hairline fracture in his left fibula, left hamstring tightness and a non-displaced fracture in his left ribs.
“I feel 100%. I don’t know how my body is, but I feel really good,” Bellinger said.
He has continued to contribute for the Dodgers, most recently with two hits in Game 4 to help the team stave off elimination.
Bellinger expects productive offseason
While his focus certainly remains on trying to help the Dodgers repeat as World Series champions, Bellinger anticipates this offseason being more much positive than what unfolded last year.
“Yeah, I would say that I’ll be a 100% (for 2022 Spring Training). I think having a full offseason is going to be very beneficial,” Bellinger said.
“I was rehabbing all offseason last year and then everything happened this year. But a full offseason, I’ll for sure be ready to go.”
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