The Los Angeles Dodgers are into a second week of Cactus League play and have yet to see Cody Bellinger take the field for a game. He and the team have maintained all continues to go well with the recovery process from offseason surgery, and Bellinger’s latest progression further supports that notion.
“Cody is doing well. He’s supposed to take some live at-bats — I think it’s [Wednesday] — and then be in a game right around the 15th or something like that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “The 14th or 15th, we’re expecting to see him in a Major League baseball game.”
To this point Bellinger has largely limited to participating in fielding and baserunning during workouts, along with tracking pitches and only recently did he advance to taking batting practice. He recently played in a ‘B’ game at Camelback Ranch, but only on defense.
The middle of March has long been the target for Bellinger to make his 2021 Spring Training debut and while that remains the case, it will be with some alternating.
“I think it’s going to be in the field (one day), then a DH. We want to make sure he’s getting the at-bats,” Roberts explained.
“He’s obviously a high priority guy, but I’m certainly mindful of trying to get these pitchers some at-bats as well. With the DH potential, we’re still trying to get looks at other guys as well.”
Keibert Ruiz arrives at Dodgers camp
Top catching prospect Keibert Ruiz was a notable omission when the Dodgers opened camp last month, which Roberts said was due to a visa issue. Ruiz wound up traveling to the Dominican Republic before arriving in the United States, and now he’s on the verge of appearing in a game.
“I think end of the week, that’s my hope,” Roberts said. “He’s here, looks good, caught a couple ‘pens today. I know he’s anxious, so we’ll see. I’ll talk to the training staff, medical staff, just to kind of see where he’s at.
“Obviously I would like to get him in there as early as possible.”
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