Cody Bellinger, the reigning National League rookie of the year, started at first base in the Dodgers’ pivotal 5-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. He batted clean up, an appropriate spot for someone with 23 home runs. And, yet, it was a minor surprise.
The Rockies started a left-handed pitcher, Tyler Anderson, and Bellinger had been benched the previous eight times the Dodgers faced a left-hander. He hadn’t started against a left-hander since Aug. 29 as the Dodgers became platoon devotees to maximize production for the stretch run. On Wednesday, Bellinger’s restriction was lifted.
“It’s different, but we’re doing everything we can to get into the playoffs,” said Bellinger, who went 0 for 4 Wednesday and has a .