The 2021 regular season did not go as Cody Bellinger hoped even after being slow to join the Los Angeles Dodgers for Cactus League play during Spring Training because of last offseason’s shoulder surgery.
Challenges that came from being behind other players in camp and while trying to get comfortable with a new batting stance were multiplied when Bellinger sustained a hairline fracture in his left fibula during the fourth game of the season.
He missed nearly eight weeks and spent additional stints on the IL because of left hamstring tightness and more recently a non-displaced fracture in his left ribs.
As the injuries stacked up, the 2019 National League MVP has hit just .165/.240/.302 with nine doubles, 10 home runs, 36 RBI, a 48 wRC+ and -0.8 WAR in 95 games this season. It was a far reach from Bellinger’s career .257/.347/.510 batting line and 124 wRC+.
Although nearly everything went wrong this year, the 26-year-old still believes he will be able to contribute and remains confident, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“It’s been a grind for sure. It’s not fun. But at the end of the day, I have confidence in myself and believe in myself. … As bad as it’s been, I still feel really good and confident and excited and all that kind of stuff. I’m in a good spot.”
Although his recovery did not progress as the team initially hope, Bellinger recently said he now was doing well, partly thanks to a new haircut he got after going to his barber while the team was in Arizona.
Earlier in the season, Bellinger was moved into a platoon role due to his struggles and admitted it has been a challenging year for him.
As the Dodgers face the Cardinals in a winner-take-all Wild Card Game, Bellinger could play a prominent role as he is starting in center field.
Bellinger can erase frustrating season
Just over two weeks ago, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Bellinger would be able to save his season by making sure he doesn’t focus too much on statistics.
“I think when you try to chase numbers to salvage a season, statistically, that can be hard and a toll,” Roberts said.
“Continue to work, which he’s working tirelessly, and just try to come in fresh to help us win a ballgame.”
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