Over recent years the annual group of Los Angeles Dodgers non-roster invitees to Spring Training has been headlined by the likes of Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias. This year that honor goes to Cody Bellinger, who is in his second big league camp.
The 21-year-old is considered the Dodgers top positional prospect, and their top overall prospect by most publications. Baseball Prospectus ranked Yadier Alvarez the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect, followed by Bellinger.
In addition to receiving playing time at first base this spring, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Bellinger will also see action at all three outfield positions, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
Dave Roberts said he will play Cody Bellinger in all 3 OF positions in addition to first base in Cactus League. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 24, 2017
Although he was playing under the shadow of Urias, the organization’s top prospect at this time last year, Bellinger hit an impressive .393/.541/.679 with two doubles, two home runs, four RBI and nine walks while appearing in 18 Cactus League games.
The bulk of his time came at first base, though Bellinger logged two innings in center field.
During time with Triple-A Oklahoma City last season, he played 81 games at first base, 13 in left field, 13 in center field and nine in right field.
Adrian Gonzalez’s elbow tendinitis creates an immediate opportunity for the Dodgers get looks at other options at first base. The club begins their Cactus League schedule on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.
