Bellinger hits 3-run homer, but fails in two critical situations as Cubs lose to Reds

What would happen if pro athletes could only sign one-year contracts?

For one thing, roster turnover would be an absolute nightmare.

But it would be interesting to see if it brought out everyone's best more often than not.

Succeed every year and you're handsomely rewarded. Stink it up for two or three seasons and your career is all but over.

We broach the subject because this is exactly the situation Cody Bellinger is in, with the 2019 National League MVP inking a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs in the off-season.

After an all-star rookie season in 2017, Bellinger had a decent 2018 campaign and then cranked 47 home runs and drove in 115 runs while slashing .305/.406/.629 in 2019.

Ever since, the magic has disappeared. Much of the blame - according to agent Scott Boras - revolves around a dislocated shoulder Bellinger suffered while celebrating a home run during the 2020 NLCS.

Bellinger is 2½ years removed from that injury, though, so enough with the excuses. Now, Bellinger must return to form and prove he's still got it.

The early results weren't very encouraging as Bellinger went 0-for-11 with a walk and 4 strikeouts against the Brewers at Wrigley Field over the weekend.

The 27-year-old finally made his presence felt Monday night in Cincinnati by belting a 3-run HR in the first inning. It was a welcome sight for manager David Ross, but Bellinger proceeded to fail in two critical situations, and the visiting Cubs fell to 1-3 after dropping a 7-6 decision.

The loss was hardly all on Bellinger as Drew Smyly (0-1) allowed the first five hitters to reach base - which tied the game at 3-3 - and then served up a 3-run HR to Jason Vosler in the fifth that turned out to be the game-winning hit.

"We've got to get a shutdown inning," Ross told reporters afterward.

The Cubs had two chances to catch up, but Yan Gomes struck out with loaded bases in the seventh, and Miles Mastrobuoni lined out to first with runners on first and second in the ninth.

Smyly lasted only 4⅔ innings, giving up 7 runs (6 earned) on 9 hits while walking two and hitting two.

"There was just a lot of weak contact (in the first inning) that was going for hits," Smyly said. "Then I kind of got in a groove in the middle innings, got staked to another lead in the fifth and I was one pitch away. ...

"(Lefty-lefty) matchup - I feel like I should get that guy out. But he put a good swing on it and drove it out of the park."

Dansby Swanson continued his torrid start by going 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored. He's now 10-for-17 (.588) overall. Newcomer Eric Hosmer (3-for-5) also had a big night.

Bellinger could have really helped the Cubs' cause in his second and third at-bats, but he:

• Flew out to left field with runners on first and second in the second inning.

• Meekly popped out to shortstop with runners on second and third in the fifth. The Cubs did score three times in the frame to take a 6-4 lead, but if Bellinger singles, perhaps it's game over.

Ross spoke Sunday about how new guys like Bellinger (1-for-15 overall), Hosmer and catcher Tucker Barnhart may press a little bit too much in the early going in an effort to impress.

"The key to new players in an organization is continue to build that trust," Ross said. "Understand we have confidence in them when they don't. That's my job as a manager is trying to make sure they know how I feel and how excited I am to have them here. ...

"The pressure will subside at some point. But early on, I understand the feeling. I've been there, even as a backup player or a role player, you always want to show out for your new organization and fan base."

Hit by pitch:

Patrick Wisdom was to have X-rays on his left hand after Monday's game. Wisdom was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning.