The Los Angeles Dodgers got off to the best 15-game start of any defending World Series champion at 13-2, which was a record all the more impressive when taking into account they went a stretch without Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts.
Betts returned to the lineup after missing one week due to lower back stiffness, but Bellinger remains on the 10-day injured list. He was eligible to be activated for the series with the San Diego Padres, though Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested it was unlikely.
Roberts then officially ruled that out when he revealed last Friday it was discovered Bellinger sustained a hairline fracture in his left fibula when he got spiked in the calf on April 5. Prior to additional testing revealing the fracture, Bellinger had been diagnosed with a calf contusion.
Roberts noted the fracture did not necessarily change the timeline for Bellinger’s return and the plan called for him to remain active. As the Dodgers traveled from San Diego to Seattle to complete their road trip, Bellinger was still with the team.
“Had a really good day of work. Did some light jogging, taking some swings, played catch, he’s going to take some balls off the bat,” Roberts said before the series opener at T-Mobile Park. “Today was a good considerable day. Hopefully he comes out it feeling good and we just continue to progress.”
While Roberts has been reluctant to set any sort of timetable for when Bellinger will be activated, he did tell Alanna Rizzo during an appearance on MLB Network’s “High Heat” last Friday it would be approximately one to two weeks.
Dodgers injuries
In addition to being without Bellinger, the Dodgers also have Tony Gonsolin, Joe Kelly and Gavin Lux on the 10-day IL.
Roberts said Gonsolin is on a throwing program at Camelback Ranch, but was unclear on where in the progression the right-hander is.
Lux is expected to be activated once eligible — Monday, April 26 — as he continues to recover from right wrist soreness.
Kelly’s return from right shoulder inflammation is open-ended.
Of course, there is now concern with Betts after he was hit by a pitch inside the right forearm during the ninth inning of Monday’s loss.
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