Cody Bellinger continued to validate his standing as the Los Angeles Dodgers top hitting prospect by going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one walk in Triple-A Oklahoma City’s 3-2 win over the Memphis Redbirds on Sunday.
With Oklahoma City trailing Memphis, 3-2, in the fifth inning, Bellinger clubbed a game-tying home run to right field. The homer was his third of the season and second in a four-game stretch.
Then in the seventh, Bellinger lined an RBI double to right field to give Oklahoma City the decided lead. Entering play on Monday, the 21-year-old is batting .395/.465/.737 with four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI over 10 games.
While the Dodgers didn’t express any concern, Bellinger struggled in his second experience in big league camp. He appeared in 30 Cactus League games, but hit just .207/.294/.345 with two doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI. Bellinger struck out 20 times compared to eight walks in 58 at-bats.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts heaped plenty of praise on the young prospect by calling him a ‘Gold-Glove caliber’ player at first base. Bellinger is the heir apparent to Adrian Gonzalez, though has plenty of versatility to offer.
He played all three outfield positions for the Dodgers during Spring Training, and has already logged time in center field for Oklahoma City. Bellinger is expected to make his Major League debut at some point this season, presumably once active rosters expand in September.
