Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Dodgers have made another change with Mookie Betts, as manager Dave Roberts announced that Betts will return to right field for Monday night’s series opener against Milwaukee. Betts, an eight-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove Award winner in right field, was initially moved to second base during the offseason and later shifted to shortstop in early March due to Gavin Lux’s throwing struggles.
Betts, who hadn’t played shortstop regularly since high school, committed nine errors—eight of them on throws—over 65 games at the position this season. However, his defense improved with experience, saving five defensive runs according to Fangraphs. Despite this progress, the Dodgers decided to make the switch back to right field, especially with the return of Miguel Rojas from a forearm injury and Lux’s strong performance at second base over the past month.
Roberts explained the decision before Friday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates. As quoted in the Los Angeles Times and other sources, Doc said, “We’re in a pennant race right now — we have a [2 ½-game] lead — so we have to do what’s best for the ballclub. As Mookie continued to take balls [in right field,] we just felt that the overall confidence in his play at shortstop in a pennant race versus right field, given what we have on the roster, the net made sense for all of us that he should kick out to right field.”
Roberts also noted that he had a lengthy conversation with Betts about the move, and Betts agreed to the change. Additionally, Betts will move from his usual leadoff spot to batting second in the order. The decision was made with the team’s best interest in mind, taking into account the confidence and performance of each player at their respective positions.
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