Mookie Betts in right field always made the most sense for the Dodgers. His six Gold Glove Awards highlight his defensive prowess, and playing in the outfield allows him to utilize his exceptional skills effectively.
Last week, Betts was seen taking grounders as he prepared for a return from the injured list. Just days prior, manager Dave Roberts indicated that Betts would remain at shortstop.
However, plans shifted quickly.
The shortstop experiment is now on hold.
On Friday, Roberts confirmed Betts would return to right field for the first time this season, marking a significant shift as the superstar rejoins the lineup after two months on the injured list in Milwaukee.
Betts described the decision as a “mutual thing,” following discussions with Roberts.
“To be quite honest, we talk every day about it,” Roberts explained. “It wasn’t about, ‘Hey, something happened,’ and, ‘Hey, this is what we need to do now.’ This is kind of essentially reading the room, me and him talking. That’s part of my job, is to kind of get a feel for where he’s at and where the ballclub is at, and this is something that we both feel, the organization as well, this is the best thing for the Dodgers in 2024.”
Despite his enjoyment of infield play, Betts’ return to right field appears to be the most logical decision.
“Ultimately, I think we’re getting to the place where many of us felt we were going to get to,” Roberts remarked. “So, I don’t think it was a bad decision by us, and I don’t think Mookie regrets it, either. I think that was a great experience for him.”
The Dodgers have frequently shifted Betts’ position over the past seasons, partly due to injuries and partly to manage the wear and tear on his body. This strategy has also kept him engaged in the game. Betts originally came up as an infielder in the Boston Red Sox system, adapting as needed due to team dynamics.
Now, he finds himself back in familiar territory.
With the departures of shortstops Corey Seager and Trea Turner, the Dodgers had planned to rely on Gavin Lux last season until an injury sidelined him. Miguel Rojas, initially signed for a utility role, stepped into the shortstop position.
In that time, Betts split his responsibilities between right field and second base, enjoying a resurgence in performance, reminiscent of his 2018 MVP season. He even had the chance to play shortstop, which he described as “a dream come true.”
Betts has expressed a strong belief in his abilities at shortstop, relishing the challenge it presented.
“I 100% believe in my abilities,” he stated. “I believe I can do it. I think it was the challenge that I really, truly love.”
However, he also recognized the importance of making choices that benefit the team.
“There’s got to be a point you look at the roster, and I want to put the Dodgers in the best chance to win,” he remarked.
The Dodgers could have opted to utilize Betts as they did last season, primarily in right field. Instead, they initially planned for him to be the everyday second baseman for 2024.
With Lux returning from injury, the team was poised to return him to shortstop. Yet, concerns about Lux’s performance led to a surprising move: Betts was assigned to shortstop while Lux played second base.
Betts dedicated himself to this role, practicing daily and honing his skills, yet acknowledged the mental and physical demands of adapting to such a challenging position.
“People don’t know, man, going to sleep at night wondering in the seventh inning, one out and a man at third, you get this backhand, you got to make a play, like that type of stuff keeps you up at night,” Betts said. “Again, the challenge is fun and I embrace it, but it does keep you up at night. So, the good thing is now knowing going back out to right field, there’s no play, there’s nothing, that I haven’t done or I’m not prepared for. So I think I can get a couple extra hours of sleep.”
After nearly two months on the sidelines, the decision to keep him at shortstop posed risks for a team with championship aspirations.
Ultimately, a variety of factors, including Betts’ willingness to move despite his hard work at shortstop, led to this practical outcome.
Rojas’ defensive skills made him the most suitable choice for shortstop, especially as he enjoys one of the best offensive seasons of his career. The Dodgers, however, have concerns about Rojas’ ability to handle the daily demands of the position. Recent acquisitions, including Nick Ahmed and Tommy Edman, who can also play shortstop, help address this concern.
“You’ve got to be real with yourself, the team, and do what’s best,” Betts stated. “I preached from the beginning all I want to do is win, and I just feel like Miggy and Nick Ahmed being there, that’s winning baseball.”
The Dodgers were not going to shift Betts back to second base, especially with Lux performing well as the team’s top hitter recently. The outfield also remained a concern, as Dodgers outfielders rank 20th in fWAR and have struggled offensively.
With the National League West division race tightening, the urgency for this move increased. The Dodgers’ lead had shrunk significantly, prompting a reevaluation of their lineup.
“I would say I mostly went to them and was just like, ‘Look, listen, I believe I can do it, but I want to win, man, and I don’t know if me right there is the best solution to win,'” Betts shared. “They were like, ‘Hey, let’s see what we can do next.’ This is what we came up with.”
Roberts expressed confidence that moving Betts to shortstop was not a mistake, as it has given the team valuable insight into his versatility.
This decision, however, aligns with the team’s best interests moving forward.
Upon his return, Betts will face multiple adjustments. He will play right field again and bat second in the lineup for the first time this season. Shohei Ohtani has been leading off since Betts’ injury, and this change helps balance the lineup by separating left-handed hitters Ohtani and Freddie Freeman.
Betts believes this adjustment will have a significant impact.
Playing right field again?
