Cody Bellinger was officially named a starter for the National League in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, marking a career first for the young Los Angeles Dodgers standout.
The Dodgers had one other candidate advance to the Starters Election in Joc Pederson, but he fell short of the required votes and wound up ranking ninth. For Bellinger, the selection marks his second career trip to the All-Star Game.
He previously earned honors as a rookie in 2017, but was a reserve for that particular contest. Bellinger was appreciative of being named a starter this time around, deeming it a special honor.
Unlike his first selection, Bellinger will be managed by a familiar face in Dave Roberts, who serves as the National League skipper for a second consecutive year. While Bellinger was voted in as part of the NL’s starting outfield, it’s not yet determined which position he’ll man.
Roberts will ultimately decide on his outfield configuration, which means there is still some uncertainty to where the early NL MVP favorite will wind up. Bellinger revealed that he has no preference on which position Roberts decides to pencil him in, per SportsNet LA:
“I’ll play anywhere in the All-Star Game. I really don’t care at all, to be honest.”
Bellinger has primarily played right field for the Dodgers this season while also occasionally receiving reps at first base. One of the more gifted athletes in the league, his defensive versatility allows him to line up at any outfield position when needed.
Bellinger has previous experience playing in left and center field, seeing time at those respective positions during parts of the 2017-18 seasons. Likewise, the Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. and Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich can play any of the three outfield spots.
Roberts made it clear that the Dodgers should have multiple representatives at the 90th Midsummer Classic, and Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu were named among the pitchers. However, the Dodgers failed to have a position player included with the reserves.
