Mookie Betts has made a surprising defensive shift to shortstop in his 30s, a move that is rare in professional baseball due to the position’s demanding nature. This unexpected development has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, highlighting Betts’s versatility and athleticism as he adapts to one of the most challenging roles on the field.
Baseball analyst Jay Jaffe of FanGraphs examined this unusual transition, underscoring how infrequently players switch to shortstop at such a late stage in their careers while maintaining above-average defensive performance.
Pitchers Begin Rehabilitation Assignments as Dodgers Manage Injuries
Alongside Betts’s defensive evolution, the Dodgers are managing pitching staff health with a pair of minor league rehab starts set for Sunday. Tyler Glasnow will pitch for Triple-A Oklahoma City at 1:35 p.m. PT as he continues recovering from shoulder inflammation that sidelined him since April 28. Luis García is scheduled to pitch for Low-A Rancho Cucamonga at 2 p.m., working back from a right adductor strain sustained on June 1.
Glasnow is expected to make at least three rehab starts before potentially rejoining the Dodgers’ rotation, marking a key step in the team’s efforts to regain full pitching strength.
Community and Team Responses Reflect Care and Determination Amid Challenges
Off the field, the Dodgers have committed $1 million to provide direct financial assistance to families of immigrants affected by recent regional events. Community leaders and protestors around Dodger Stadium have called on the team to expand these efforts.
“toward direct financial assistance for families of immigrants impacted by recent events in the region.”
—Dodgers Organization
Fidel Martinez at the Los Angeles Times has suggested the Dodgers could take inspiration from the Angel City Football Club’s community engagement to deepen their connection with the city of Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw’s recent performance at Dodger Stadium was greeted by synchronized waves from the crowd, symbolizing a united fanbase full of hope despite ongoing challenges.