The Los Angeles Dodgers evidently focused on retooling their outfield this offseason, trading Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig to the Cincinnati Reds while signing longtime former Arizona Diamondbacks slugger A.J. Pollock to a four-year contract.
Despite his extensive injury history, Pollock is slated to assume everyday duties in center field for the Dodgers this season. His arrival will have repercussions on several teammates, including Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor, who figure to see more time in the infield.
Ditto for Cody Bellinger, who appeared at four different positions last season. Though he is naturally a first baseman, the 23-year-old proved capable of being able to thrive in the outfield as well.
With a void to fill in right field, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects Bellinger to receive the majority of his playing time there in 2019, per Pedro Moura of The Athletic:
Dave Roberts expects Cody Bellinger to play most in right field, with A.J. Pollock set in center. Bellinger did not start a game in right last year.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 12, 2019
While Bellinger only logged 11.1 innings in right field last season, he is certainly athletic and versatile enough to be able to handle the position defensively. Bellinger graded favorably in both left and center field, leaving optimism that he’ll be able to transition seamlessly.
With Pollock and Bellinger penciled in for two outfield spots, one would assume Max Muncy is in line to receive the bulk of his reps at first base. David Freese is another candidate to see time there, especially when the Dodgers face a left-handed pitcher.
