Cody Bellinger plays his home games many miles away from Josh Bell. However, the Dodgers’ right fielder is very aware of the type of season the Pirates’ first baseman is having.
“I’m happy for him,” Bellinger said Friday afternoon. “It looks he’s found something in his swing that’s really working for him. He’s having a great year and he’s hot right now. It will be big challenge for us.”
Bellinger, who is also off to a great start in 2019, will face off with Bell in a three-game series between the Pirates and Dodgers that beings Friday night at PNC Park.
Bell is hitting .339/.408/.718 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs in 47 games. Bellinger has a .394/.478/.765 slash line with 17 homers and 44 RBIs in 48 games.
Bellinger is first in the National League in hitting and Bell is second. While Brewers right fielder Christian Yelich leads the NL with 19 homers, Bellinger is second and Bell is tied for third with Mets rookie first baseman Pete Alonso.
Meanwhile, Bell tops the major leagues in RBIs and Bellinger is third, one behind Cardinals left fielder Marcell Ozuna (45).
“It should be fun,” said Dodgers corner infielder David Freese, who played for the Pirates the previous three seasons. “I’m really happy for Josh. I think sometimes people don’t understand that you’re going to go through some rough times in the major leagues. Sometimes you’re going to take a step back.”
Bell went from 26 home runs as a rookie in 2017 to just 12 last season. Bell has already surpassed his 2018 total this season. He is also hitting .405/.466/.873 in 20 games in May while belting 10 home runs and driving in 26 runs.
“Josh is a very hard worker and you knew all the hard work was going to pay off for him because he’s got a lot of talent,” Freese said.
Bellinger was the NL Rookie of the Year in ’17 when Bell finished third in the voting behind Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong. Like Bell, Bellinger took a bit of step back last season when his homer total fell to 25 from 39.
However, both Bell and Bellinger credit their home run surge to understanding they do not have to swing out of their cleats to hit a ball over the fence.
“There are just some things you learn in that game that come over time and with more experience,” Bellinger said.