A trip to the DL doesn't often come with such valuable compensatory rewards, but Dodgers OF Cody Bellinger tentatively seems to have avoided assignment back to Triple-A Oklahoma City with the injury woes of Adrian Gonzalez opening up a roster spot. He'd been slated to be sent down with the reactivation of Joc Pederson, but since he's been an offensive firework for L.A. since debuting April 25 the Dodgers are surely glad for an excuse to keep him where he is. With a 5-9, 4 R, 3 HR, 9 RBI, BB, 2 K, SB submission of work against San Diego over the weekend, the youngster managed his first career grand slam Saturday and has four multi-hit games in five May tries. His slugging percentage overall is at .786 and he's been a delight to watch as he solidifies his case for more permanent stationing in the majors.
Let’s take a look at what else happened hitting-wise around the league:
Aaron Altherr (OF, PHI) - 2-5, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB (1 IBB), 2 K. Now immersed in a six-game hitting streak, Altherr finds ways to affect game outcomes even when he doesn't start. He pinch-hit a three-run HR B8 Sunday against Washington, his fourth jack this year. That clutch hit manifested the lion's share of a Philly comeback to end up winning it in the ninth. Through 65 at-bats, he's rocking a .338 average to go with 16 runs, 14 RBI and three steals. He's one of the more sneaky, clever adds you could possibly make right now.
The low run and RBI totals are pretty much set in stone for Baez. He hits either in front of or after the pitcher when he plays. He has been better than many of the Cubs bats that get the choice lineup spots – I wonder if that will ever change. I doubt it will as Madden seems to have his mind made up.