When Corey Seager joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in September 2015 for his MLB debut, he made the transition from Triple-A Oklahoma City look seamless. Now two seasons later, Cody Bellinger is doing much of the same.
Bellinger’s impressive showing essentially forced the Dodgers hand in keeping him with the club despite the return of previously injured outfielders, Franklin Gutierrez and Joc Pederson. With Adrian Gonzalez now on the 10-day disabled list, Bellinger is slated to play first base.
Entering Friday, he’d played left field in eight of nine games with the Dodgers. Beyond the defensive versatility, Bellinger has provided the Dodgers with a potent bat in the lineup.
The 21-year-old provided another reminder of the power that’s packed in his left-handed swing, clubbing two home runs in a win over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Bellinger’s first blast gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning.
It was the first run Jhoulys Chacin allowed at home in 17.2 innings over three starts this season. Then with Los Angeles leading 5-2 in the ninth inning, Bellinger hit a three-run homer to center field.
The multi-home run game was the second in Bellinger’s young career. He’s batting .342/.390/.737 with one double, one triple, four home runs and nine over through nine games.
