Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gives injury update on Cody Bellinger

The Los Angeles Dodgers can see a light at the end of the tunnel for Cody Bellinger, whose latest injury update suggests his return is nearing.

The Dodgers may be getting Cody Bellinger back soon.

Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday that Bellinger could go on a rehab assignment by next week.

Initially, it looked like Bellinger would face a longer stretch out. However, he’s improved his running from 60 percent to about 80 percent.

Roberts said he ran up to 19 miles per hour without any issues. A video posted on his Instagram looked positive enough.

The 2019 NL MVP played in four games before he suffered a hairline fracture in his left leg.

Cody Bellinger hasn’t been around to help the Dodgers break out of their slump

The Dodgers could use some positive news given their recent dip in form. The team started the campaign 13-2. However, they’ve gone 7-15 since Apr. 18. Wins over Seattle on Tuesday and Wednesday were their first consecutive victories in that stretch.

Having Bellinger back would certainly help break them out of it. He wasn’t at his best in the early phase of the season, but he’s been one of the team’s most important figures since he broke out as a rookie in 2017.

He followed up his MVP season in 2019 with reduced production in 2020, batting .239/.333/.455. The Dodgers can only hope it doesn’t take him too long to work his way back from that as well.

Before Bellinger returns, LA will have to make it through series with the Marlins and Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Then two series with the Giants sandwich a two-game trip to Houston.

Roberts and company could start preparing to have Bellinger in the lineup by the time they begin a series with the Cardinals at the end of May. It all depends on how his rehab continues.