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We got to see Cody Bellinger for the first time in 2021 on Tuesday. After undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, Bellinger was in the lineup and played in center field. He had a pretty uneventful day at the plate, going 0-for-3, but the biggest takeaway was his somewhat new batting chance.
Here’s a look at how different the stance looks.
#Dodgers Cody Bellinger's stance today vs. last year's. Much different. pic.twitter.com/Mk3tgsHqAm
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) March 16, 2021
“Just playing with what I feel is good for me,” Bellinger said when asked about the stance following the game. “I feel confident with it.”
Bellinger that said due to all the down time he had during the offseason, it allowed him time to work on some things with his stance. He said that he’s been open like this in the past and that he feels really comfortable at the plate.
Bellinger said nobody came to him to discuss the change, it was entirely his decision.
“I think he’s a very feel-driven guy,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Right now, he feels better more open. That’s where we’re at.
“He and the hitting guys talk all the time. We still have plenty of time to see where he wants to be when the season starts, and that can change.”
As mentioned, it was a quiet day for Bellinger at the plate as he went hitless. The plan is for him to play next on Thursday and continue to get in those at bats as he tries to prepare for Opening Day in a little more than two weeks.
Dodgers links
- Not only is Mookie Betts arguably one of the best players in baseball... he’s now officially a model
.@Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts for the April issue of GQ, photographed by @theahmadbarber & @dontemaurice. Styled by Mobolaji Dawodu https://t.co/2Z1QD7XZBu pic.twitter.com/wydPtMc2di
— GQ Magazine (@GQMagazine) March 16, 2021
- Although it’s only spring training, it was a very rough outing for Clayton Kershaw on Tuesday
- Gavin Lux is preparing to have a bounce-back season in 2021
- California Pizza Kitchen becomes the official pizza of the Dodgers