Dodgers: Four Players Who Stepped Up in Month of May

Cody Bellinger

The rookie sensation is cooling off, but he’s had a great month, not just for a rookie, but for a player. He’s hit nine homers in the month, launching him into the team lead with 11. He’s also driven in 27 runs and hit just under .270 during that time.

Sunday’s game against the Cubs proved his ability to hit all types of big-league pitching. He blasted a three-run home run off of left-handed ace Jon Lester, while Adrian Gonzalez got the day off. Bellinger hasn’t been as hot of late, so the home run shows he’s able to bounce back quickly, a sign of a true hitter in the majors.

The 21-year old’s sizzling first full month in the majors has solidified his position as a mainstay in the Dodgers’ once crowded outfield. However, due to Andrew Toles going down for the year, Scott Van Slyke’s struggles, and Andre Ethier’s slow recovery, it looks like Bellinger’s golden opportunity has turned into a call for dependence on the rookie. And so far, he’s followed through.

With Yasiel Puig unable to hit fastballs, Andrew Toles out for the season, and Joc Pederson going from the DL to struggling to make solid contact and back onto the DL, the Dodgers’ outfield offense is almost entirely generated by Bellinger. Hopefully, Bellinger can continue his hot hitting, and the rest of the outfield can pick up some of the offensive production.