
Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Promoted to Los Angeles
After raking through the first month of the minor leagues, it appears Cody Bellinger is joining the big league team.
Bellinger has been promoted to the majors, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. Bellinger is the Dodgers’ top ranked prospect. While his natural position is first base, he’ll mostly play outfield.
Source: Cody Bellinger is being called up by Dodgers.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 25, 2017
Bellinger is coming up to play the outfield. He'll rotate between LF and CF with Joc Pederson on the DL.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) April 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/11WillieCalhoun/status/856964636884819969
Bellinger was hitting .343 in Oklahoma City thus far. He’s experienced in all the outfield spots, though McCullough said he’ll flip between center and left. Dave Roberts said he was impressed with Bellinger in spring training, but added he didn’t think we was quite ready.
A few weeks and a couple injuries can make a big difference.
Confirmed. #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/NWzfgFUZfG
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 25, 2017
Bellinger is ranked No. 13 in MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects. Keith Law lists him as the No. 6 prospect in baseball. He’s the consensus best first base prospect, and arguably the best offensive prospect. Bellinger has potential to hit for a high average with excellent power. He projects as a middle of the order bat for years to come.
Defensively, Bellinger might grow into one of the best defensive first basemen in the game. He played outfield growing up, however, and with Adrian Gonzalez still at first, the team will use him mostly in that capacity for the season.
He comes from a baseball family. Bellinger’s father won two rings with the New York Yankees.
The Dodgers offense was decimated by Matt Cain Monday night, which likely increased concern for a group that’s been porous so far. Sitting at 9-11, L.A. needed a jolt of energy, and perhaps that’s Bellinger.
The call-up happens one day after San Francisco promoted its top offensive prospect Christian Arroyo.