Bellinger out of lineup to rest shoulder

SAN DIEGO -- Dodgers slugger Cody Bellinger was out of the lineup Saturday night against the Padres, one day after his right shoulder popped loose when he dove for a ground ball while playing first base.

The joint popped back within moments, and Bellinger completed the game Friday. With Bellinger sore a day later, manager Dave Roberts thought better of his intention to keep his best hitter on the field Saturday.

“He’s playable today, but still sore,” Roberts said. “Under the circumstances and where we are in the season, we just want to make sure he’s really on solid ground.”

Roberts said Bellinger wanted to play and that he likely would be back in the lineup in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Petco Park. Bellinger is having a monster season, topping the Majors in batting average (.415), OPS (1.337), runs (32), home runs (14) and RBIs (38).

Bellinger has had the shoulder pop loose at least twice in the past, Roberts said, including last year.

“This isn’t as severe as last year,” Roberts said.

David Freese started at first base Saturday after missing two games because of a bruised ankle, and Alex Verdugo started in right field.

Ferguson works toward return

Left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson, on the mend from a left oblique strain, threw a bullpen session Saturday. He will throw a simulated game Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, Roberts said.

“He’s in a good place now,” Roberts said. “He’s getting close.”