When the Los Angeles Dodgers hold their first full-squad workout of 2021 Spring Training, plenty of attention will be on Cody Bellinger, who is recovering from right shoulder surgery.
The 25-year-old underwent the operation in November after dislocating his shoulder during a home run celebration in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series. He initially was projected to be cleared to swing a bat within four weeks.
However, Bellinger has not been cleared to take full-swings yet, and instead, is using his left arm only. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts nonetheless anticipates Bellinger being able to participate in the first full-squad workout on Feb. 23.
As for Opening Day, Roberts also expressed confidence that Bellinger will be ready and not limited in any way, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I think right now we’re right where we need to be, from what the trainers are saying,” Roberts said. “When you look out at spring training as far as the position-player side, taking at-bats, there’s plenty of time. So however it looks for Cody’s schedule as far as building it out, I’m not concerned at all for him to be ready offensively for the start of the season.”
While Roberts expects Bellinger to be a full go by the time workouts get underway, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Dodgers slow-play him at the start of camp. Even if he falls behind other position players, Bellinger would be able to make up at-bats in simulated situations.
As attention shifts to the upcoming season, the 2019 NL MVP winner recently noted he was going to stop the celebration that caused the shoulder dislocation. “I won’t be doing any more elbow high fives anymore, but even if I do, I think it will be sturdy when the season comes,” Bellinger said.
Spring Training changes for MLB health and safety protocols
Amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Spring Training will look a bit different this year as part of the health and safety protocols. It will essentially be divided into three phases, with the first round of workouts limited to individuals and small groups through Feb. 20.
Then from Feb. 21-26, larger groups and intrasquad games will be permitted. Official Spring Training games begin either Feb. 27 or 28, and one of the most notable changes is that contests against non-Major League teams are banned this year.
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