Dodgers place Cody Bellinger on the disabled list with sprained ankle

A sprained ankle appears to be the only thing that can slow Cody Bellinger this year. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Bellinger, whose 34 home runs rank second in the National League, on the disabled list Tuesday with what they termed a mild right ankle sprain. 

The DL stint almost certainly means Bellinger won't equal Mark McGwire's rookie home run record of 49. His next home run will tie Mike Piazza for the Dodgers rookie record, despite not making his major league debut until April 25.

 The Dodgers are running away with the NL West, with an 88-35 record, and can certainly exercise caution with their 22-year-old first baseman/outfielder.

GALLERY: Top players under 25