The Los Angeles Dodgers are 8-3 thus far in August and seen Cody Bellinger seemingly appear to turn a corner amid what’s been a season-long slump thus far.
Bellinger recently had an eight-game hitting streak and has strung together improved at-bats, even if the results still left something to be desired. “Certainly, I think we’re on our way,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Bellinger.
“He’s been working on it. I’ve said it every day. He’s working hard, he’s strengthening that shoulder. For us to go where we expect to go, he’s a big part of it.”
It’s no secret Bellinger has struggled for the better part of the year, which Roberts recently attributed to last offseason’s shoulder surgery, but he finally appears to be turning a corner offensively.
On Saturday, Bellinger delivered a game-winning RBI double against the New York Mets in the 10th inning.
“I’ve been feeling good,” he said after the game. “Baseball is a tough game and every day is a grind. Overall, I feel really good and looking forward to continue to keep going. … Just going to continue grinding, doing my thing, continue to feel good, and go out there and play.”
Price: Dodgers need Bellinger
Days before his heroics at Citi Field, Bellinger slugged a pair of home runs to help the Dodgers notch a second consecutive win against the Philadelphia Phillies. One of his homers came on the 13th pitch of an at-bat.
Bellinger’s emergence has been particularly key as the Dodgers remain without Mookie Betts. “We need Belli to be Belli,” David Price said.
“He’s been swinging the bat a lot better the last couple days, hitting some homers, having really good at-bats. I don’t know how many pitches that at-bat was, but for him to pull as many balls foul as he did and hit a two-run homer to left-center, that’s a really good sign.
“I’m happy for him. He’s here working hard every single day and has got the same attitude every day.”
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