The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup was unchanged through the first two games of the National League Division Series, but will have a different look on Friday night as Cody Bellinger won’t start against San Diego Padres southpaw Blake Snell.
Bellinger is just 1-for-6 with with four strikeouts in the NLDS thus far. He was hitless in the postseason prior to a two-out single in the seventh inning of Game 2.
“I know he is doing the best he can, and he snuck in a knock,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the 5-3 loss.
Bellinger was an everyday starter throughout the season despite again falling short of expectations and being mired in inconsistency. The Dodgers have stuck with the 2018 NL MVP in large part due to his defensive contributions, which showed in their loss to the Padres.
“He made a heck of a play in that (Brusdar) Graterol inning that kept the game close,” Roberts said.
Although the Dodgers have maintained confidence in Bellinger as he’s searched for consistent success, Roberts acknowledged more production is needed.
“He still is working through some things, but yeah, I mean, at some point we’re going to need that offense, certainly,” Roberts said.
Bellinger presumably will be back in the lineup for Game 4, when the Padres are expected to start Joe Musgrove. Facing the right-hander hasn’t correlated to markedly improved results, however, as Bellinger is 2-for-17 with one double, two RBI, two walks and two strikeouts in his career against Musgrove.
Cody Bellinger among planned Dodgers lineup changes for Game 3
With Bellinger not starting, Trayce Thompson is moving to center field and Chris Taylor is making his 2022 postseason debut in left field. Furthermore, Austin Barnes will start at catcher, which pushes Will Smith to designated hitter, Justin Turner to third base and Max Muncy becomes the second baseman in place of Gavin Lux.
Roberts reiterated Taylor has recovered from a neck injury despite Barnes pinch-hitting for Bellinger in Game 2.
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