Dodgers' Cody Bellinger has started running

The Dodgers have gone almost the entire season without superstar slugger Cody Bellinger, but it appears he’s making progress in his recovery from a hairline fracture in his left leg. The former MVP has begun running, as he posted on Instagram on Monday (h/t: David Vassagh of AM 570 LA Sports). As Vassagh notes, that seems to indicate he’s closing in on a return.

The Dodgers haven’t gotten any contributions from Bellinger since April 5, and while they fared swimmingly without him for a few weeks, they’ve been mired in a downward spiral of late. Since beginning the season a white-hot 13-2, the reigning World Series champions have dropped 15 of 20 to fall to 18-17 and 2 1/2 games back of the National League-leading Giants. While Los Angeles has received great production from Mookie Betts and Chris Taylor, who have filled in for Bellinger in center field, they’ll certainly be thrilled to add the latter back into their lineup when he’s ready.

Bellinger opened this season just 4-for-19 over 21 plate appearances, but there’s no reason to believe he won’t rebound if he’s healthy. The 25-year-old has put up tremendous numbers since debuting in 2017, and after starting off slowly in 2020, he went on a second-half tear to help L.A. to a title.