On Saturday night, Mookie Betts watched from the dugout as the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking a rare moment on the sidelines for the usually consistent player. This benching was a deliberate decision by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, aimed at addressing Betts’ recent performance issues and the mental challenges he has been encountering this season.
Coming into the second half of the 2025 season, the Dodgers struggled to keep pace with the surging Brewers, dropping both games of the series opener. Roberts made a significant change by leaving Betts out of the lineup on Saturday, which could affect decisions in the following games against Milwaukee. Betts’ absence contributed to an 8-7 loss, further marking the Dodgers’ difficulty as they fell to 0-5 against Milwaukee this year.
Betts had a slow start in the first game of the series, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, reflecting broader struggles highlighted by his recent statistics. Over his last five games, Betts recorded only two hits, both during an August 11th game against the San Francisco Giants. Earlier in the week, Betts managed a single hit against Milwaukee in a three-game span. Despite his substantial contract and status as a former MVP, Roberts opted to bench him to address these difficulties.
“I don’t know how long it’s going to be,”
Roberts stated.
“It could be one night. It could be two. My expectation is he’s going to be back in there tomorrow [July 20]. But I think for me, it’s going to be a day-to-day thing. It’s going to be my decision on how I feel he is mentally to take on that night’s starter.”
The Mental Side of Mookie Betts’ Performance Challenges
Roberts emphasized that Betts’ struggles extend beyond physical performance and are largely mental. Currently hitting just .241 for the season, Betts is on track for what may be the lowest batting average of his career, contrasting sharply with his .289 average over 116 games last year and a .307 mark across 152 games the year before. This downturn has been a shock for a player historically known for consistent hitting.
Earlier on July 20, Roberts personally contacted Betts to inform him of the decision to give him the day off, with the possibility of it extending to tomorrow as well. This communication was part of the effort to manage Betts’ mental state carefully during this slump.
Dave Roberts called Mookie Betts this morning to talk about giving him today (and potentially tomorrow) off
Here was Roberts’ full explanation for the decision pregame: pic.twitter.com/9G5RUUx9A5
—Jack Harris, Sports Reporter
Roberts added insight into Betts’ mindset, saying,
“He wants to do well. He’s not used to struggling like this. I think he’s playing great defense. There’s a part of it where you feel like you’re letting people down, letting the team down. That weight that is just natural for him to carry is there.”
This situation is not entirely new for Betts, as Roberts had previously granted him mental rest earlier in the season. Sonja Chen reported that Betts was given an off day on July 1, described as
“probably more of a mental day.”
This pattern highlights the ongoing effect mental fatigue has on a player who usually maintains a batting average well above .260. Presently, Betts’ OPS (on-base plus slugging) is just .688, a substantial decline from his previous performance.
Contrasting Past Success with Current Difficulties
Betts was a pivotal figure in the Dodgers’ most recent World Series triumph, recording a .290 average and a .951 OPS over 62 at-bats during the playoffs. Historically, he has posted OPS numbers exceeding .900 multiple times in his career. The 2025 season, however, stands out as an aberration, with his current statistics falling well below previous standards.
The decision by Roberts to bench Betts illustrates the complex balance between managing physical form and mental readiness in professional baseball. As the Dodgers prepare to face the Minnesota Twins to close out their six-game home stand, the team and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Roberts adjusts his lineup and supports Betts through this challenging period.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Mookie Betts a billionaire?
A. Mookie Betts is expected to have a net worth of about $70 million in 2025. His money decisions have been smart. Over time, he has become one of Major League Baseball’s top players. His financial choices were mainly to ensure his future stability.
Q. Which bone did Mookie Betts break?
A. LOS ANGELES — During the seventh inning of Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts injured his left hand after being struck by a pitch.
Q. Who is Mookie Betts best friend?
A. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are the perfect example of best friends. This Dodgers pair truly stands out.
Q. Which bone did Mookie Betts fracture?
A. Betts will be out for a while after a pitch broke his left hand. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned that surgery isn’t needed and the season isn’t over for him, but they aren’t sure when he’ll be back. “He just needs to rest and let the bones heal,” explained Roberts.