The Dodgers continue to lead the National League West by a solid seven games over the Giants, however one of their key players is going through a tough time as Mookie Betts has not managed to get the best results with the bat. However, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has made it clear that the team is not considering changes to his position in the batting order and, despite his recent decline in performance, Betts will remain second in the lineup, according to the strategist.
Betts, who at the start of the season raised concerns after missing the opening series in Tokyo against the Cubs due to a severe stomach illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds, quickly recovered and returned to be a key player for the Dodgers
However, now that other players like Max Muncy and Michael Conforto have regained their form, Betts seems to be going through his own offensive slump.
Mookie Betts statistics
In the 10 games prior to the sweep against the Rockies, the outfielder-turned-shortstop was batting just .162. While he did manage a standout performance in the first game of that series, his overall numbers are still below expectations: a .256 batting average, .335 on-base percentage and .392 slugging percentage, the lowest of his career so far.
Roberts, however, remains optimistic. “I’m surprised, I think we all are. No one more so than Mookie himself,” expressed the manager. “But he’s playing great shortstop, which is a premium position. So I feel like the bat is going to wake up.”
Mookie Betts suffers position change with Dodgers
Some analysts have suggested that Betts’ transition from the outfield to shortstop could be influencing his offensive production. However, Roberts does not share that theory.
I’m going to say no. I think it’s a valid debate. But I can only go by what Mookie says, and he has expressed that he feels comfortable with the defense, without anxiety. He is confident, healthy and physically feels better than he has in a long time. So I don’t think there’s a correlation
Meanwhile, the Dodgers continue their series against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday at Kauffman Stadium, hoping that Betts will return to his best at the plate. Despite his recent struggles, the player proved he can still be decisive by hitting a home run in his return.
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