Dodgers: Cody Bellinger set to return from 2-month absence on Saturday

Cody Bellinger will return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Saturday afternoon.

Sidelined for nearly two months with a broken leg, outfielder Cody Bellinger will make his triumphant return to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday afternoon vs. the arch-rival San Francisco Giants.

The 2019 NL MVP had only played in four games this season prior to going on the IL due to a hairline fracture in his left fibula. Though the Dodgers were able to sustain their hot start in the weeks immediately following his injury, the defending World Series champions cooled off considerably in May. The Dodgers are now tied with the Giants at 31-20 on the 2021 MLB season.

How much of a positive impact will Bellinger be able to make in the Dodgers lineup upon arrival?

Los Angeles Dodgers: Cody Bellinger returns after missing the last two months

In four games this season, Bellinger was only hitting .211 at the plate. Again, that is an incredibly small sample size, but he has given the Dodgers next to nothing for the better part of two months offensively. During his five rehab starts in AAA Oklahoma City, Bellinger went 4-for-20 at the plate but had two home runs and drove in three runs. He walked once and struck out four times.

Admittedly, it may take some time for Bellinger to get back to his All-Star-level self for the Boys in Blue, as San Francisco is one of the best teams in the National League right now. However, his re-insertion into the lineup will be a big boost for the Dodgers in the long run. Their offense will have gotten more explosive and the defense will have improved simply upon his arrival. This is all good.

Look for Bellinger to make his first start for the Dodgers since breaking his leg back in early April.