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Cody Bellinger was the Dodgers top prospect heading into the season, but began 2017 in the minor leagues. Despite spotting everyone a three-week head start, Bellinger leads the club in home runs and RBI, and found his way to Miami for the All-Star Game.
Selection process
Bellinger was a selection of the players, receiving the fourth-most votes among National League outfielders. He received 246 votes, behind only the same three outfielders voted to start the game by the fans — Charlie Blackmon (590 votes), Bryce Harper (562), and Marcell Ozuna (432).
All-Star history
Bellinger is one of three Dodgers first-time All-Stars in 2017, joining Justin Turner and Alex Wood.
Bellinger’s All-Star history consists of Monday night in the Home Run Derby, where he advanced to the second round — tying teammate Corey Seager (2016) for most home runs in a single round by a Dodger with 15 — but lost to eventual champion and giant human Aaron Judge.
Pre-break stats
Bellinger burst on to the scene like few others before him, setting major league records for fastest to 21, 22, 23, and 24 career home runs. Bellinger is hitting .261/.342/.619 with 25 home runs, 58 RBI and 50 runs scored in 70 games.
He is second in the National League in slugging percentage, and is one behind the league lead in home runs.
Dodgers history
Bellinger turns 22 on Thursday. He is the youngest Dodgers All-Star position player ever, 78 days younger than Seager last year. The only All-Star pitchers in franchise history younger than Bellinger were Fernando Valenzuela (20 years, 281 days in 1981; and 21 years, 254 days in 1982) and Ralph Branca (21 years, 184 days in 1947).
The last Dodgers outfielder to get a hit in the All-Star Game was Matt Kemp, who singled in 2011.
The last Dodgers first baseman to get a hit in the All-Star Game was Steve Garvey, who doubled in 1981. Though it seems unlikely Bellinger would see time at first base since the NL roster already includes Ryan Zimmerman, Paul Goldschmidt, and Joey Votto.