Players are not due to report for camp until Sunday, and the first Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training workout is scheduled for the following day, but Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy are among those who arrived early at Camelback Ranch.
Both players are looking to rebound from a 2021 season that included injury. Bellinger overcame a fractured left fibula, hamstring trouble and non-displaced fracture in his left ribs to have a productive postseason.
However, Muncy was not afforded that opportunity as he sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and dislocated left elbow on the final day of the regular season. There was hope Muncy could return had the Dodgers reached the World Series.
With the focus now on 2022, Bellinger and Muncy were among the Dodgers to take early batting practice on Saturday, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com
#Dodgers Max Muncy getting some swings in pic.twitter.com/L9omAsSZL0
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 12, 2022
#Dodgers Cody Bellinger is also here pic.twitter.com/e9doHkbis4
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 12, 2022
Muncy taking swings is notable in that he continues to recover from his left elbow injury. Muncy recently said he would be ready for Opening Day, and it was a sentiment Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed on Friday.
“I think with what Max went through, the rehab, range of motion, the strength, it’s probably about 85%,” Roberts added. “I think he might have been one of the beneficiaries of a week postponement of the season.”
Opening Day of the 2022 season is set for April 7, but the Dodgers won’t take the field until the following day to begin their schedule with a matchup against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Bellinger can manage shortened Spring Training
Prior to MLB and the Players Association (MLBPA) agreeing to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), it was already apparent Spring Training would be condensed in some fashion. That likelihood was something Bellinger said he could still navigate and adequately prepare.
“I’ve always thought spring was a little too long. Position-player wise, different than a pitcher, I would imagine,” Bellinger said from the sixth annual Justin Turner Golf Classic.
“I don’t know how pitchers do it, especially if you’re in the East Coast and it’s cold outside. Personally, I’d say a month. A little less than a month. Like I said, working out in Arizona you’re able to face guys, see some bullpens.”
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