The Los Angeles Dodgers held their first official workout of Spring Training 2.0 on Friday, and while not all players were cleared to participate, that didn’t apply to MVPs Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner and several others.
The Dodgers staggered the arrivals of players to ensure they complied with health and safety protocols implemented by Major League Baseball for this season. All players donned a face mask upon arrival, and they were broken into small groups for workouts.
The day’s schedule including fielding drills and pitchers throwing live batting practice. Both Betts and Bellinger faced Caleb Ferguson, and Max Muncy also took at-bats. For Betts, it marked his first time participating in an official workout at Dodger Stadium since being acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox.
Bellinger arguably had the highlight of the day with what appeared to be a towering home run off Ferguson.
Live BP #Dodgers Mookie Betts v Caleb Ferguson pic.twitter.com/2tSyztGG0g
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 4, 2020
Sound on. 😍 pic.twitter.com/UeX3Hpy8kO
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 4, 2020
Although players faced a new reality and strict guidelines at Dodger Stadium, it did little to temper excitement. “I think there’s a lot of energy and excitement that we’re back at the stadium, getting back on the field and have some form of a season to look forward to,” Turner said.
“Guys were sitting at home for three months wondering if this was even going to happen or if it was possible. I think guys are just elated to be here and get going.”
Clayton Kershaw added the new protocols were an “adjustment,” but added, “The guys that are here, we want to get this going and we want to do this, so we’re going to do what we can and take that responsibility. It’s been fun to see the guys, it’s been fun to get back to Dodger Stadium.
“I missed being here and missed being with the few guys I did see in my group. It’s been good.”
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