With an opportunity created by way of injuries, Cody Bellinger’s time with the Los Angeles Dodgers may be winding to an end as players come off the disabled list. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Bellinger was likely to return to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
But the organization’s top position-player prospect remained with the club when Franklin Gutierrez was activated, as optioning Scott Van Slyke was the corresponding roster move. However, Bellinger may not be as fortunate on Friday when Joc Pederson is expected to be reinstated.
Bellinger’s prolific production has nonetheless turned a likely scenario into more of a discussion. Roberts conceded in recent days the team would consider keeping Bellinger beyond this weekend.
That won’t come at the expense of an injured player returning, however. “I just don’t believe you have everyday players who get hurt,” Roberts sternly began to explain. “And when they deem they’re healthy to come back, guys who have performed, and now we don’t have a spot for them? That doesn’t make any sense to me.
“So, yes, Cody has played great. It’s a small sample. He’s gotten his feet wet and performed. But I’m not going to say he’s here to stay. That’s unfair to everyone.”
Beyond Pederson, the Dodgers next anticipate Logan Forsythe, Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu coming off the DL in the near future. Forsythe might be furthest away, due to hamstring tightness, Hill makes a rehab start Thursday for High-A Rancho Cucamonga, and Ryu is expected to miss just one start.
Bellinger’s best case to remain with the Dodgers may lie in Adrian Gonzalez’s health. The veteran first baseman is bothered by a bulging disc, and a stint on the disabled list would seemingly be in order. However, Gonzalez has never been placed on the DL during his 14-year career.
