Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downgrades Cody Bellinger’s role amidst struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed struggling outfielder Cody Bellinger is being demoted to a platoon role.

A rough season for Cody Bellinger is finally resulting in a demotion.

The former MVP is now being relegated to a platoon role for the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts said on Monday.

“I don’t see him against left-handers at this time,” Roberts said, per Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.

Dodgers OF Cody Bellinger won’t start against left-handers

Bellinger was benched for the Dodgers’ game against Atlanta on Monday with Drew Smyly on the mound. He also sat on Friday against Rockies’ lefty Kyle Freeland. After two games on the bench against southpaws, it became pretty clear what the plan was.

Roberts just confirmed what most already assumed.

The return of Mookie Betts to the lineup forced Roberts into a decision. With Betts in right field, the Dodgers have three players for two spots in the outfield. A.J. Pollock should hold down one of those spots, leaving Bellinger and Chris Taylor to share the other.

Taylor, who got the start in center field against the Braves, is batting .274/.365/.474 with 19 home runs and 67 RBI. His numbers are considerably better than Bellinger’s, with averages of .171/.247/.319 this season.

Considering his slump, it was only a matter of time before Bellinger got demoted. He’ll have to work his way back into form with more limited playing time. That’s probably best for all involved.

Los Angeles is beginning a series with the Braves on Monday. They are just 2.5 games out of first place in the NL West and need to put their best foot forward during this critical time in the campaign.