Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Starts in His Opening Game
That didn’t take long.
Hours after Cody Bellinger’s call-up, he’s starting in left field Tuesday night against San Francisco.
Bellinger starts in LF.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) April 25, 2017
Eibner not listed on reserves. pic.twitter.com/H7j7RRpelM
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) April 25, 2017
With Andre Ethier and Franklin Gutierrez on the disabled list, Andrew Toles received most of the time in left. Brett Eibner, another option, was sent to Triple-A to clear room for Bellinger. Toles has been mediocre thus far for a stagnant offense. The Dodgers needed a spark, and perhaps that prompted the team to promote Bellinger.
Brett Eibner is headed back to OKC. No word on the 40-man roster move.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) April 25, 2017
Having been 20 days in, Bellinger avoids Super 2 status. It’s apparent that an additional year of control played a part in the timing.
Bellinger is a natural first baseman, but the Dodgers have worked him in the outfield since Single-A. While likely Bellinger transitions to first later, he’ll get most of his time in the outfield as long as Adrian Gonzalez is healthy.
The Dodgers will reportedly recall Julio Urias to start Thursday. This Giants series is more than just another set of rivalry matches – it’s a glimpse at the Dodgers’ future.
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