The Latest Breaking News from Cody Bellinger

LOS ANGELES — Literally speaking, the Padres did not have to win Wednesday night.

LOS ANGELES — As the Cardinals inch nearer a playoff berth, they have a few questions they must yet confront before October arrives.

MIAMI — The thought of having to use a bullpen day on Friday, the Miami Marlins’ first game of a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, did not necessarily excite Don Mattingly on Friday. There’s an inherit risk with the approach. A bad outing by even one or two…

This game that didn't count for much, this midsummer game against another overmatched and underfunded opponent, was also a statement game.

MILWAUKEE — The door to Dave Roberts’ office stayed shut a little longer than usual after Monday night’s game.

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers are averaging 6.9 runs per game during their nine-game win streak, batting .307 with an .865 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, 11 homers, 31 doubles and two triples since July 31.

After a years-long dip into the abyss, his production is rebounding enough to make him quite valuable to the Dodgers.

LOS ANGELES — Yu Darvish pivoted on top of the mound to watch Freddie Freeman’s grounder roll through a hole on the left side of the infield, leaned back and looked briefly to the sky.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts insisted it wouldn’t be a litmus test.