Dodgers: Predicting the batting order as summer camps open

Predicting the Dodgers lineup: Middle of the Order

4. Cody Bellinger, CF

Another name you can write in ink is Cody Bellinger batting clean-up. The 2019 National League MVP earned his accolades while batting fourth for the Dodgers last season. He is looking to build off an unbelievable performance that saw him hit 47 home runs and drive in 115 RBIs while batting .305/.406/.629.

Obviously, over a 60-game schedule, the numbers will look different this season. For Bellinger, that could mean something special. He slashed .376/.462/.733 with 20 home runs and 52 RBIs through the team’s first sixty games last year.

5. AJ Pollock, LF

If Dave Roberts wants to continue to stagger his left- and right-handed hitters, AJ Pollock offers him a right-handed bat to provide protection for Bellinger. The addition of the designated hitter this season will allow the Dodgers to use Pollock in games when Joc Pederson also plays.

The former Diamondback, Pollock, is looking to rebound off an injury-curtailed debut season in Los Angeles. He only played 86 games in 2019 due to an elbow injury. If he can return to form, he gives the Dodgers yet another power-hitter who can drive in runs in the middle of the lineup.

6. Joc Pederson, DH

Roberts recently indicated that he plans on using the DH role to give regular players, such as Justin Turner, partial days off. However, if we are constructing the best possible lineup to start the season, I would include Joc Pederson as the designated hitter.

Pederson is expected to play a platoon role with Pollock in left field. The left-handed power hitter murdered southpaw pitching last season with all 36 of his long balls coming against lefties. After a trade to the Angels fell through in the offseason, he returns to Dodger Stadium in his last season of team control before becoming a free agent.