LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers have three former MVPs on the active roster: Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts and Albert Pujols. They’ll be getting their fourth back on Saturday against the Giants.
After missing nearly two months because of a hairline fracture in his left fibula, star outfielder Cody Bellinger will return to the Dodgers’ starting lineup and will start at center field, manager Dave Roberts said on Friday. Bellinger also is expected to be in the lineup Sunday. The Dodgers activated Bellinger and infielder/outfielder Zack McKinstry from the injured list and optioned outfielder DJ Peters and infielder/outfielder Sheldon Neuse to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.
The 2019 National League MVP played in a handful of games for Triple-A Oklahoma City after a lengthy rehab process at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. In his five games in Triple-A, Bellinger hit two home runs. He played the entire game on Thursday.
In five games with the Dodgers before being sidelined, Bellinger posted a slash line of .211/.286/.368.
With Bellinger back in the lineup, the Dodgers will get yet another major threat in the middle of the order. Bellinger will get most of his playing time in center field once he’s activated, but there’s a chance that he could play some first base every now and then, as the Dodgers ease him into regular playing time.
“I’d like to say it’ll be center field exclusively,” Roberts said earlier this week. “But if it makes sense to have him over there at first base to essentially manage the workload for that particular night to get his bat in the lineup, that certainly will be entertained.”
Max Muncy, who began the season as the team’s everyday first baseman, has been playing more second base since the club acquired Pujols, and he could slide over to second in order to make room for Bellinger at first. Chris Taylor has been filling in for Bellinger in center field and will continue to get playing time there, as well as in both corner-outfield spots and in the middle infield. To activate Bellinger, the Dodgers will have to make a move on the 26-man roster.
Getting Bellinger back will be a big addition for the Dodgers, but he’s not the only one set to return this weekend. Utility player Zach McKinstry will be traveling to Los Angeles with Bellinger, and the Dodgers could activate him either Saturday or Sunday.
Before his right oblique strain, McKinstry was one of the hottest hitters for the Dodgers, posting an .883 OPS in 17 games. He would give the Dodgers even more versatility, as he’s capable of playing both corner-outfield spots, second base and third base.
The Dodgers have one of the best records in the Majors, and after a couple of injury-riddled weeks, the defending World Series champions are getting closer to full strength.
“Obviously, it’s not ideal to lose really good players, but everyone is going through it,” Roberts said. “To get them back, it’s kind of like some free-agent acquisitions or trade, but just getting them back to the active roster makes us a lot better.”