The Los Angeles Dodgers are reevaluating the lineup position of Mookie Betts after a challenging stretch in his offensive performance during the team’s extended second-half road trip. With Shohei Ohtani recently returning to the leadoff spot after a brief shift, the Dodgers are seeking the optimal role for Betts to help improve his production at the plate.
Throughout most of the road trip, Betts hit second in the lineup while Ohtani batted leadoff in 10 of the 12 games, except for occasions when Betts was absent due to the passing of his stepfather. Betts resumed the No. 2 spot in the batting order for the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.
Manager Dave Roberts’ Approach to Adjusting the Dodgers’ Batting Order
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been carefully considering the best lineup configuration as he balances player performance and roster availability. With Max Muncy expected to return from the injured list soon and catcher Will Smith not playing every day, Roberts is making decisions to optimize the lineup given these variables.
“Just trying to figure out what’s best short term, longer term. We’ve got Munce coming back soon, Will is not playing every day obviously as a catcher,”
Roberts explained.
“What I felt with today, Teo not being in there, this was the best lineup today. That’s kind of where I’m at right now.”
Roberts first moved Betts into the leadoff position on July 20, hoping to spark him out of a persistent slump that led to benching the shortstop a day earlier. The manager anticipated this change might remain until Muncy’s return, aiming to leverage Betts as a table setter who can boost on-base opportunities.
“I think he’s still not right mechanically, clearly. I do know it hasn’t affected Shohei, so that’s a good thing,”
Roberts said on July 23.
“And I do think getting Mookie on base sets the stage. I still like the mindset of being a table setter and finding a way to get on base anyway he can, to get that on-base (percentage) up.
And then the hits will start coming, the slug, all that stuff. But I think it looks right. I like it.”
Mookie Betts’ Performance as Leadoff Hitter: Mixed Results
During his stretch as the leadoff hitter, Betts’ statistics reflected ongoing struggles at the plate. Over 10 games and 45 plate appearances, he posted a .205 batting average with a .289 on-base percentage and a .256 slugging percentage, including two doubles, two runs batted in, five walks, and six strikeouts. The Dodgers went 5-5 in that timeframe.
Despite the modest numbers, Roberts noticed signs of improved quality in Betts’ contact, such as a well-hit ball to third base and a deep fly ball to left field, even in a recent shutout loss. The Dodgers’ manager expressed cautious optimism about Betts’ offensive approach.
“I thought yesterday, in a vacuum, I thought he had a good offensive day. I really did. I thought he had good at-bats, I thought he squared the ball up,”
Roberts remarked.
“Other days, it looks like he’s lost. I know he’s frustrated and obviously at a point now where he wants results, which I can appreciate. But hopefully he can build on the at-bat quality from yesterday and go from there.”
Challenges Behind Betts’ Offensive Struggles
The Dodgers acknowledge that Betts’ difficulties stem from a combination of mechanical and mental factors. Roberts highlighted the effort Betts and the hitting coaches are putting into addressing these issues, but progress has been slow.
“I know he and the hitting coaches have been working diligently, consistently, intentionally. I think the easiest thing to say is it’s a mechanical thing,”
Roberts said.
“But also, I do believe there’s a mental part of it, too. It’s sort of beaten him down a little bit, where I’m just trying to continue to instill my faith and confidence in him.”
Considering Lineup Changes and Rest to Improve Results
Though Betts returned to the second spot in the lineup, Roberts has not ruled out moving him elsewhere to better suit the team‘s needs and Betts’ current form. The manager continues to weigh options, mindful that other players like outfielder Andres Muñoz and infielder Trea Turner are also experiencing slumps, and Muncy is still recovering.
“I’ve thought about it. I think it’s totally a fair question. I’m just trying to figure out what would be best for him, for the team,”
Roberts stated.
“But yeah, I’ve thought about it. Again, you’ve still got Andy, Teo, scuffling as well, and not having Muncy back. So trying to figure out what makes sense. It’s a fair question, but not right now.”
Roberts also mentioned the possibility of giving Betts additional rest days but noted that the team‘s roster is not yet at full strength, and Betts contributes defensively at shortstop, which remains valuable.
What This Means for the Dodgers Moving Forward
The Dodgers are navigating a balancing act as they aim to restore Mookie Betts’ offensive impact while managing the team’s lineup amid injuries and inconsistent performances. Betts’ role in the batting order is under active review, with an eye toward maximizing his strengths and helping him regain his typical form.
As Max Muncy approaches a return and the roster stabilizes, the Dodgers’ adjustments to the lineup could provide Betts and the team a fresh opportunity to improve their offensive output in the key stretch of the season.