Dave Roberts provides promising update on Cody Bellinger’s recovery

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is congratulated by Enrique Hernandez #14 after hitting a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is congratulated by Enrique Hernandez #14 after hitting a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Dodgers star Cody Bellinger is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Los Angeles Dodgers fans have no doubt been concerned about Cody Bellinger for quite some time now. First, he dislocated his right shoulder after celebrating a home run against the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS, which raised issues about his effectiveness for the remainder of the postseason.

Though it was popped back in place and he was all good, a stiff back kept him out of the field for Game 4 of the World Series, which saw Chris Taylor take over in center field and … well, we saw how that went. But then the Dodgers won the World Series and all was great!

Until Bellinger underwent offseason surgery on that injured right shoulder on Nov. 17, which was expected to sideline him for 10 weeks, meaning his participation in spring training would’ve likely been delayed. But now we have an update on his recovery!

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters this week that Bellinger is ahead of schedule and he will be “somewhat active” for the start of spring training, which is the best development we’ve heard thus far. There was worry that if he lagged behind in spring training it would obviously affect his start to the 2021 season.

Now for the other elephant in the room…

Spring training is scheduled to start on Feb. 27, but many insiders have speculated the 2021 season will be delayed until May as the league scrambles to determine the best course of action amid the pandemic. It’s clear owners (and the league) don’t want to play more games if it means no fans will be in attendance.

So, either way, it seems Bellinger will be in a good spot. If the season is delayed, spring training will be too, and the slugger will have even more time to recover and get back up to speed. If everything continues as scheduled, he’ll apparently be ready for the start of the action even though he won’t be hitting the ground running.

The quest to repeat can’t come soon enough.