Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger revealed Thursday night he’s received a formal invitation to participate in the 2017 Home Run Derby. Bellinger said whether or not he’ll make the trip to Miami hinges on if his father Clay, a former Major Leaguer, can accompany him.
Bellinger has previously expressed a willingness to take part in this year’s Derby with the intention of having his father pitch to him. Clay is currently a firefighter in Arizona, and would need to make arrangements with his work schedule in order to join his son.
Despite not making his season and MLB debut until April 25, Bellinger enters play Friday leading the National League with 24 home runs. His 24 homers since April 25 are most in the Majors.
The 21-year-old set a Dodgers rookie record this week with a sixth multi-home run game this season. Mike Piazza previously held the mark with five multi-homer games during the 1993 season.
What’s more, Bellinger leads the Dodgers with 56 RBI this season and 13 home runs during the month of June. His 24 homers are the most by any Dodgers player in the first half of a season since Shawn Green slugged 26 in 2002.
The 2017 Home Run Derby begins at 5 p.m. PT on Monday, July 10, and will air exclusively on ESPN. Thus far only Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton and Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano are the only confirmed participants.
Stanton won the Derby last year at Petco Park.
