Bellinger believes he’ll return soon

Cody Bellinger is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from the arthroscopic labrum surgery he underwent on his right shoulder in November. He started taking swings two or three weeks ago, took batting practice in the cage for the first time Tuesday, foresees facing live pitching by the end of next week and hopes to play in spring training games by March 15.

Bellinger sustained the shoulder injury when he smashed forearms with Kike Hernndez celebrating his go-ahead home run in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.

Excitement quickly became panic, but Bellinger stayed in the game and didn’t miss any of the World Series.