Cody Bellinger ‘hopeful’ to return this week

It’s been a forgettable 2021 season for Cody Bellinger, but the Dodgers could still use his bat and his speed in the lineup.

After dealing with numerous injuries this season, the latest IL stint for Bellinger has him dealing with a rib injury. Luckily, there’s optimism that he can return before the end of the season next Sunday.

Bellinger spoke with reporters in Arizona on Saturday. Per Jack Harris of The LA Times:

“Today was very promising. Swinging felt great. Throwing was the worst part [right after the injury happened] because of the motion where the rib was, and that actually felt pretty good today. So I would say I’m close.

“I haven’t ever dealt with injuries, really, in the past. It’s been a grind for sure. It’s not fun. But at the end of the day, I have confidence in myself, belief in myself. And with the adjustments and the time and all that stuff, I feel good. As bad as it’s been, I still feel really good and confident and excited. I’m in a good spot.”

Say what you want about his 2021 campaign, but he’s needed if the Dodgers want to make a run in October. He provides Gold Glove defense in center field, along with some of the best speed in the game.

Hopefully for Bellinger, he’s able to recover and help the Dodgers make a push towards winning a championship.

Hey, he received a haircut, so maybe the old Bellinger will be back?

Dodgers links

• Read more from Jack Harris on Bellinger’s potential return
• Bill Plunkett from The OC Register also wrote about Bellinger and about how exactly he injured his ribs
• Dodgers and Giants, vying for the NL West title, will each move on after winning more than 100 regular-season games? The latest from Mark Whicker of The OC Register