The Los Angeles Dodgers and their star outfielder Cody Bellinger have responded to the controversial remarks made by Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, who blamed the Dodgers for Bellinger’s poor performance this season. Boras, who is known for his outspoken and often provocative comments, said in an interview with The Athletic that the Dodgers “did not take care of” Bellinger after he suffered a shoulder injury in the 2020 postseason and that they rushed him back to play before he was fully healed. Boras also said that the Dodgers’ hitting coaches altered Bellinger’s swing mechanics and did not listen to Bellinger’s feedback.
Bellinger, who won the National League MVP award in 2019 after hitting .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, has had a dismal season in 2021, hitting .165 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs in 95 games. He missed the first three weeks of the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder, which he dislocated while celebrating a home run in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves last year. He also missed a month of action from mid-May to mid-June due to a hairline fracture in his left leg.
The Dodgers, who are currently leading the NL West division and have the best record in baseball, have defended their handling of Bellinger’s injury and their coaching staff. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he was “disappointed” by Boras’ comments and that he had a “great” relationship with Bellinger. Roberts said that the Dodgers followed the medical protocol for Bellinger’s recovery and gave him enough time and resources to heal and rehab. Roberts also praised the work of the Dodgers’ hitting coaches, Robert Van Scoyoc and Brant Brown, who have helped several players improve their offense this season, such as Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, and AJ Pollock. Roberts said he trusted Van Scoyoc and Brown to help Bellinger regain his groove.
Bellinger himself said that he did not agree with everything Boras said and did not want to create any drama or distraction for his team. Bellinger said that he appreciated Boras’ support and loyalty but was ultimately responsible for his performance. Bellinger said that he was working hard to overcome his struggles at the plate and was confident that he would bounce back soon. Bellinger also said that he had no issues with the Dodgers’ medical staff or hitting coaches and respected their opinions and advice.
Boras, who represents some of the biggest names in baseball, such as Gerrit Cole, Bryce Harper, and Anthony Rendon, has since clarified his stance on Bellinger’s situation. Boras said he did not intend to criticize or blame the Dodgers for Bellinger’s woes but rather to explain the challenges and difficulties that Bellinger faced this season. Boras said that he was proud of Bellinger for playing through pain and adversity and believed that Bellinger would return to his MVP form soon. Boras also said that he had a good relationship with the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff and respected their professionalism and expertise.
The saga of Boras’ remarks on Bellinger has been one of the most talked-about topics in baseball, as many fans and pundits have expressed their opinions on whether Boras was right or wrong to say what he said. Some argue that Boras was doing his job as an agent, trying to protect his client’s interests and reputation, while others claim that Boras was out of line, trying to stir up trouble and create tension between his client and his team. The final verdict will depend on how Bellinger performs for the rest of the season and beyond.
