The Los Angeles Dodgers decided to place Mookie Betts back in the leadoff position on Sunday, marking his first appearance at the top of the order since June 2024. Betts is very familiar with this spot, having started 507 of his first 530 games with the Dodgers as the leadoff batter before his hand injury sidelined him.
Manager Dave Roberts Explains the Strategy Behind the Move
Before the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the reasoning for returning Betts to the leadoff spot.
“I felt that giving him a different look in the lineup, hitting him at the top — something he’s obviously been accustomed to throughout his entire career — will put him in a mindset of just to get on base,”
Roberts told reporters, as reported by SportsNet LA. He added,
“Trying to take good at-bats, setting the table for Shohei and the guys behind him.”
Sunday’s Game Highlights and Betts’ Performance
During Sunday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, Betts singled and scored in the third inning. In a crucial ninth-inning moment with the bases loaded and the Dodgers trailing by one run, Betts hit the ball with a velocity of 102.2 mph, but it was caught by center fielder Blake Perkins, ending the game in a loss for Los Angeles.
Challenges in Unlocking Betts’ Offensive Potential
Betts’ offensive numbers this season are the lowest of his career, making his resurgence vital for the Dodgers’ playoff push in the final two to three months. While adjusting his spot in the lineup might influence his approach, the team believes that improvement will likely come from refining his swing mechanics rather than just his batting order position. Nevertheless, the Dodgers remain open to experimenting with various options to help Betts regain his form.
Potential Lineup Changes and Roster Moves
Besides Betts’ shift, some question whether the Dodgers should consider additional lineup adjustments or player call-ups from Triple-A Oklahoma City. One suggestion is to add switch-hitting infielder Alex Freeland over outfielder Esteury Ruiz, despite Ruiz’s recent home run. With Max Muncy expected to be out for another two to three weeks, Freeland offers versatility by providing depth at third base—where he has played recently—and at his natural shortstop position.
Current roster options include James Outman as an extra outfielder, as well as Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim, who can also fill outfield roles as needed. These options give the Dodgers considerable flexibility moving forward.
Weighing Possible Changes to Strengthen the Dodgers
As the Dodgers aim to maximize their lineup effectiveness, the question remains: what single adjustment would best improve their roster currently? Whether it involves strategic lineup tweaks, reintegrating recovering players, or promoting talent from Oklahoma City, the team’s willingness to explore changes reflects their urgency to boost performance during this critical stretch of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Mookie Betts a billionaire?
A. Mookie Betts’ Wealth in 2025
Mookie Betts is expected to have a net worth of about $70 million. His financial choices have been wise. Over time, he has become a top player in Major League Baseball. His money decisions focus on ensuring a stable future.
Q. Which bone did Mookie Betts break?
A. In the seventh inning of Sunday’s game, Dodgers’ shortstop Mookie Betts injured his left hand after being struck by a pitch against the Kansas City Royals.
Q. Who is Mookie Betts best friend?
A. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are truly the perfect example of best friends. This duo from the Dodgers is unmatched, for real.
Q. Which bone did Mookie Betts fracture?
A. Betts will be out for a long time because a pitch broke a bone in his left hand. Manager Dave Roberts explained that Betts doesn’t need surgery, and the injury won’t end his season. However, they don’t know when he will be back. Roberts mentioned, “He just needs to rest and let the bones mend.”