The Los Angeles Dodgers are planning a change with Mookie Betts in their lineup order once he returns this month, but the eight-time All-Star is going to remain at his new 2024 position.
“I see Mookie at shortstop,” manager Dave Roberts said. “I think that having Miggy (Rojas), we know he can play shortstop, but he’s able to take down third, play second at times for Gavin (Lux). I think at the outset, we’re having him (Betts) play short.”
The Dodgers’ problems addressing the shortstop position this season began long before Opening Day in Seoul. Gavin Lux was tabbed as the heir apparent at the position after the departures of Corey Seager and Trea Turner in recent years. With eight seasons of stability gone, the Dodgers were hoping Lux could continue to hold down the fort for years to come.
But Lux struggled during Spring Training and the Dodgers flipped Betts from second base to shortstop. He endured growing pains, specifically with throws, but showed the potential to fare well at the position.
When discussing the outlook at shortstop last week, Roberts hinted at Betts likely remaining there despite new roster additions.
“I talked to Mookie today, that’s his intent, and I welcome that, I support that. As we get to the middle of August, when we’re expecting him back, I don’t know if that’s going to change. I really don’t,” Roberts said.
“I know we have two Gold Glove shortstops — one guy that’s won a couple Gold Gloves and another guy that probably could’ve — on our roster.
“And we’ve got a second baseman that’s playing basically his best baseball in the last few years, so that shouldn’t be lost on anyone. It’s certainly not lost on me. And we’ve got guys that can really defend in the outfield. I’m going to have a conversation with Mookie, and we’ll figure out what’s best for him as well as our ballclub when the time comes.”
Betts’ preference to remain at shortstop to preserve the consistency on defense that he has built up over the course of the season is certainly understandable. However, he is also keeping a team-first mentality and open to doing whatever is best for the Dodgers’ success this season.
“I think if he had his druthers, he would stay at one position and have a little bit more consistent outlook on the role,” Roberts acknowledged.
“But Mookie has told me time and time again that whatever it takes to make us the best ballclub, that’s what he’s willing to do.”
The two most important factors in the Dodgers’ decision going forward are the drastically improved results from Lux in the batter’s box and the eventual addition of Tommy Edman to the roster. Edman is capable of playing the outfield, but he arguably would be one of the Dodgers’ better shortstops.
Mookie Betts replaced in leadoff spot
While Betts is going to come off the injured list still as the Dodgers’ starting shortstop, Shohei Ohtani is going to remain in the leadoff spot of the lineup.
Roberts explained not only does Ohtani have the ability to make an instant impact, but slotting Betts behind him helps break up left-handed hitters in the lineup with Freddie Freeman batting third.
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