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Dodgers: Grading the Infield for the Month of May

By Brook Smith

May 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) and the Dodgers celebrate the victory against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
May 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) and the Dodgers celebrate the victory against the Miami Marlins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) plays defense during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Cody Bellinger. A-. . .

In his first full month in the majors, Cody Bellinger proved that he is the real deal. Since the call-up in late April, he has broken records, won player of the week, and set new expectations. Since his meteoric rise to stardom earlier in the month, Bellinger has come back down to earth.

Yes, his power is there and yes his batter’s eye in on par with that of a seasoned veteran. But his strikeout rate is ridiculous, and it’s happening more and more on pitches that are in the zone. Through the month of May, Bellinger struck out 40 times in 106 at bats. That means he strikes out about an unsightly 38 percent of the time.

All that to say, Bellinger is young. He’ll be 22 in July, and Dodger fans have only just begun to see the enormous potential. Bellinger came through in some clutch situations in May, and his nine home runs were a huge boost to the club. With a slugging percentage just over .560, Bellinger will no doubt make a solid middle of the order run producer this season. Not to mention, he can play just about anywhere. Final slash line in May: .245/.314/.566

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