Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Why Dodgers Play Cody Bellinger In Center Field & Chris Taylor In Right Field
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Why Dodgers Play Cody Bellinger In Center Field & Chris Taylor In Right Field

Blake Williams
August 27, 2021
3 Min Read
Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor, 2020 NLDS
Tom Pennington/Getty Images
SHARE

While Mookie Betts spent a second stint on the 10-day injured list because of right hip inflammation, the Los Angeles Dodgers regularly relied on Cody Bellinger, Chris Taylor and Billy McKinney to fill the gap.

Initially, Bellinger was penciled in at right field, while Taylor played center field. However, they have been swapped of late and likely figure to remain that way despite Taylor previously only having started in right field once this season.

“I talked to C.T., and he’s open to playing right field, which is no surprise to anyone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

“I want the length and range in center field. I’ve done it the other way, but I want C.T. to continue to get reps out there because I just love the foot speed in center field with Cody.”

This season, the stats don’t back up that Bellinger is a better runner as his 28 feet per second sprint speed is behind Taylor’s 28.8 feet per second speed. Of course, some of that could be due to Bellinger’s leg fracture injury earlier in the season.

Last year, Bellinger’s 28.6 feet/second was 0.2 faster than Taylor’s, and he was 0.1 feet/second faster in 2019.

What makes Bellinger a better option for center field?

What makes Bellinger really stand out in center field is the reads and jumps he is able to make.

Baseball Savant defines an outfielder’s jump as how many feet the player can cover in the correct direction within the first three seconds of a ball being hit to them. That is composed of their reaction (0 to 1.5 seconds) and burst (1.6 to 3 seconds).

Bellinger is able to move 1.2 feet more than an average outfielder in the first three seconds of a ball being hit, while Taylor covers 1.5 feet less than an average outfielder. That is a swing of 2.7 feet on average, which might not seem like much, but that can often be the difference between making a catch or not.

Bellinger’s jump ranks in the 69th percentile of all MLB outfielders and has allowed him to lead the Dodgers with three outs above average while he has made 89% of plays despite having an estimated success rate of 87%.

Taylor on the other hand has made 91% of plays despite having an estimated success rate of 93%, to go along with a -3 outs above average. However, Taylor has more than made up for that value with his versatility and offensive production.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Chris TaylorCody BellingerDave RobertsLos Angeles Dodgers
ByBlake Williams
Follow:
Blake Williams is a journalist from Reseda, Calif., who is currently the Managing Editor for Dodger Blue. He previously worked as a Managing Editor for Angels Nation, as a staff writer at Dodgers Nation, as the Managing Editor and Sports Editor for the Roundup News at L.A. Pierce College, and as an Opinion Editor for the Daily Sundial at California State University, Northridge. Blake graduated Cum Laude from CSUN with a major in journalism and a minor in photography/video. He is now pursuing his master's degree from the University of Alabama. Blake is also always open to talk Star Wars with you. Contact: Blake@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Kenley Jansen, Dodgers
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Optimistic Heart Surgery Won’t Have Effect On Kenley Jansen’s Offseason Workout Routine

November 20, 2018
November 19, 2018
Shohei Ohtani
Dodgers News

Dodgers Roster: Shohei Ohtani On Paternity List; Eddie Rosario Called Up

April 18, 2025
April 18, 2025
Petco-park-rain
Dodgers News

Dodgers-Padres Series Finale At Petco Park Rained Out; Doubleheader Scheduled For Sept. 2

May 7, 2017
May 7, 2017
Dodgers-cap-glove
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Billy Gasparino Credits Scout Marty Lamb For Bobby Miller Draft Pick

June 20, 2020
June 20, 2020

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어