Cody Bellinger’s celebration injury will impact him in Game 1 of World Series
Cody Bellinger’s shoulder injury could have an impact on his play in the World Series.
Cody Bellinger built his legend Sunday night with a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning of the NLCS finale against the Atlanta Braves. He had the perfect swing, an epic bat-flip, and even got to soak in some loud cheers from the small crowd.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star then injured himself after crossing home plate. What? For those who missed it, he and Kiké Hernandez exchanged a strong forearm bump that dislocated Bellinger’s shoulder. An amazing moment could have been ruined, but luckily for Dodgers fans Bellinger remains in the lineup for the World Series opener Tuesday. He just may not be at full strength.
Cody Bellinger's shoulder will be wrapped up, but will be in the lineup, Dave Roberts says
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 19, 2020
The Dodgers escape disaster after the unfortunate injury
Bellinger is the 2019 National League MVP and the Dodgers need him in the lineup every game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He will be out there, but now his shoulder becomes a storyline if he struggles at the plate or makes any contact with the ground or wall while playing in the outfield.
Cody Bellinger says he popped out his right shoulder while celebrating the go-ahead HR in Game 7 😅 pic.twitter.com/KzGRRBHTZB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 19, 2020
The former MVP had two home runs in the NLCS and both came in Dodgers victories. And while he did struggle during the shortened regular season with a .789 OPS, he got the big hit when it mattered most. That is what great players do.
Dave Roberts may want to advise his entire team to take it easy when it comes to celebrations. A simple fist bump will suffice if the lineup is going to remain whole for the duration of the upcoming series.
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Critics of this injury need to understand Bellinger was excited and this situation was an unfortunate accident. Celebrating in baseball is fun to see and the Dodgers went a bit too hard. That will happen and no one got seriously hurt so it is time to move on and hope Bellinger’s shoulder is not a major storyline in what should be a fun series.