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Cody Bellinger’s pennant-winning home run in Game 7 of the NLCS proved costly. The Dodgers outfielder on Tuesday had surgery on the right shoulder he dislocated during the celebration of said home run.
The surgery was performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team announced. Bellinger is expected to begin rehab in Arizona next week.
The news was first reported by Jeff Passan at ESPN.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger underwent surgery Tuesday to repair the right shoulder he dislocated celebrating a home run in Game 7 of the NLCS, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 17, 2020
Bellinger is expected to miss 10 weeks, which would put him on track to return by spring training.
Cody Bellinger underwent surgery on his right shoulder today, per source, as @JeffPassan first reported.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) November 17, 2020
Recovery time will be around 10 weeks. He'll be able to swing a bat in four weeks.
Can confirm #Dodgers Cody Bellinger had surgery to stabilize the right shoulder he dislocated during the NLCS. Surgery had been considered following the 2019 season. His shoulder popped out of socket on a diving play at 1B in May 2019, prompting his move to the OF primarily
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) November 17, 2020
Bellinger’s home run off Braves right-hander Chris Martin in the seventh inning of Game 7 of the NLCS gave the Dodgers a 4-3 lead, which a few innings later became the third National League pennant in four years for Los Angeles.
After hitting the home run, Bellinger exchanged forearms with A.J. Pollock, then did so more aggressively with Kiké Hernández near the on-deck circle. The forearm bash was so hard, Bellinger dislocated his right shoulder, something he’s done before in his career, but on defense at first base.
After the home run, Bellinger played the final two innings of Game 7 on defense after trainers popped his shoulder back into its socket.
Bellinger and the Dodgers downplayed the injury, and he was cleared to play all six games of the World Series. But he was just 3-for-22 (.136/.208/.273) against the Rays, after hitting .250/.365/.545 in the Dodgers’ first 12 playoff games. That Fall Classic performance included a home run in Game 1, after which Bellinger toned down the celebration, opting to exchange toe taps with his teammates.
“I said it before the game, if I hit one today, I’m not touching anyone’s arm. I’m going straight foot,” Bellinger said at the time.
A 10-week recovery time for Bellinger would have him ready by the end of January, still with some time before spring training begins.