It’s probably safe to say that a good many fans had thrown in the towel on 26-year-old Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger after his dismal Spring Training and even more dismal first few games of the 2022 regular season, and understandably so. But the one guy who did not and the only guy whose opinion mattered, was Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was right.

Again.

Not only has the Scottsdale, AZ native and Dodgers fourth-round draft pick in 2013 out of Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ finally found his swing – the one that led to him being the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year, two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger, and the 2019 NL MVP – he is once again among the most feared batters for opposing pitchers.

After going 0-for-8 to begin the season and 2-for-17 (.118) through his first four games, Belli is now 12-for-43 (.279), with three doubles, one triple, two home runs, and four RBI after the Dodgers commanding 5-1 win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday afternoon at Dodger Stadium to take two of three from the defending World Series Champions.

“Just staying with myself and continue to do that every day, and, you know, it’s not always going to be there every day, that’s the beauty of baseball,” Bellinger told SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson after his 2-for-4 day that included a double, a triple, and a RBI. “It’s also the frustrating part about baseball, but just stick with your plan and your process, and it’ll be alright.”

When asked about finally finding his swing, the popular Dodgers outfielder had a very simple but direct answer.

“It’s an everyday process; some days it’s good, some days it’s bad,” Bellinger answered. “At the end of the day, when the game starts and the lights on, it’s all about competing.”

“I think the at-bat quality,” Roberts answered, when asked about Bellinger’s recent success at the plate. “Every time he steps in the box, regardless of handedness, who’s pitching, game situation, he’s conducting a professional at-bat. And he’s putting the barrel on the ball and being more like what we’ve expected of Cody.

“I would say if it’s anything, his path is a little bit flatter and longer through the zone,” Roberts added about Bellinger’s rediscovered and very dangerous swing. “But I think that for him to understand game situations, feel good at the plate, seeing the baseball most importantly, I think that’s where we want to keep him.”

You have been warned, opposing pitchers.

Play Ball!

  *  *  *  *  *  *