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Mookie Betts: Dodgers Playing Better But Have To Perform ‘When It Matters’

Matt Borelli
3 Min Read
Aug 12, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right field Mookie Betts (50) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have gotten back several key contributors in recent weeks and it has led to improved results on the field.

The team has won six of their last seven games dating back to Aug. 16 and own the best record in baseball at 78-53 entering play Tuesday.

Mookie Betts, who recently returned to the lineup, believes there is a correlation between the Dodgers’ better health and play. “It’s a really good connection,” he said.

However, Betts is mindful that the Dodgers can’t rest on the laurels of their success in August, even if it’s coming during a division race.

“It’s good to have everybody back, but we’ve also got to perform. That’s the most important thing,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what kind of team you have assembled. You still have to perform. Right now we’re doing OK, but we have to do it when it matters.”

Betts was activated off the 10-day injured list earlier this month after missing the past eight weeks while recovering from a left hand fracture.

Since returning, Betts has provided a boost to the Dodgers lineup by hitting .275/.321/.529 with four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI in 13 games.

Along with Betts, the Dodgers have welcomed back Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, Chris Taylor, Clayton Kershaw, Blake Treinen and Ryan Brasier this month.

The club also bolstered their roster with several moves at the MLB trade deadline, bringing in the likes of Edman, Jack Flaherty, Michael Kopech and Kevin Kiermaier.

Mookie Betts wants to prove himself in postseason

After going 0-for-11 with a walk in the National League Division Series last year, Betts said that he wants to redeem himself when the Dodgers return to the postseason.

Betts is having another strong season despite twice changing positions and missing two months before of the hand injury.

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Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.