CLEVELAND — Cody Bellinger has competed in a Home Run Derby before, two years ago at the California League vs. Carolina League All-Star Game.
“I swung and missed twice,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m not the greatest BP hitter.”
Bellinger’s modesty does not hold up under closer inspection.
“Have you watched him take BP?” teammate Corey Seager said. “He’s lying.”
Bellinger hit his 18th home run Thursday. Only one player in major-league history has hit more home runs in his first 47 big-league games than Bellinger – Gary Sanchez had 19 last year for the New York Yankees.