Mookie Betts to play RF, bat second when he returns Monday

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Friday that they plan to have Mookie Betts play right field when he returns from the injured list on Monday.

Mookie Betts to play RF, bat second when he returns Monday | Yardbarker

Betts has spent most of this season at shortstop and second base, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that the 2018 American League Most Valuable Player would continue to be in the infield once he heals from a broken left hand.

But all that changed Friday.

“I know that I said we want to start with Mookie out there at short, to then give the potential to pivot out there,” Roberts said. “I had a good conversation with him last night. And, I think right now — and again, things always seem to change — but right now, we’re gonna kick Mookie out to right field.

“It’s something that … we all feel that’s what’s best for our ballclub now, going forward. And could it change? Potentially. But I think that we all feel comfortable that Mookie needs to get acclimated back out there to right field and giving (Miguel Rojas) the opportunity to play short, within reason, as far as giving him certain off-days to keep him fresh. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

Before this season, Betts spent the majority of the previous eight seasons in right field, earning six gold gloves at the position. But Gavin Lux struggled at shortstop in spring training and the Dodgers opted to move Betts to short, a position he hadn’t played regularly since high school.

Betts was batting .304 with 10 homers and 40 RBIs in 72 games before being hit by a pitch June 16 against the Kansas City Royals.

When he returns, Betts will not be back in his familiar leadoff role. The Dodgers said Shohei Ohtani will continue to bat first, where the slugger was hitting .307 with 15 homers, 35 RBIs and 33 runs (entering Friday’s game) since Betts suffered his injury. Betts is slated to bat second, followed by Freddie Freeman.

Related Posts

Steelers work out former third-round OT, Pro Bowl LS

Despite filling their remaining roster spot on Sunday with the activation of defensive lineman Dean Lowry, the Steelers still took the time to work out four more players per NFL…

New eyeglasses give Kiké Hernández a new outlook on hitting

Turns out, his brand-new eyeglasses might be partially to thank. In a subtle change that has had a profound impact on his once-slumping season, Hernández started wearing…

Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton gets 100% real about Aaron Judge treatment

Opposing teams intentionally walking New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been a hot topic as of late, and for much of the season, Giancarlo Stanton has taken advantage of the runners on…

Cubs Sign Josh Staumont to Minor-League Deal

The Chicago Cubs are making up for the inactivity of the offseason with their signings during the season. This time, reliever Josh Staumont is joining the organization on a minor-league contract….

Jarren Duran apologizes for using homophobic slur at fan, Red Sox issue statement

Following his incident on Sunday where he was heard uttering an insensitive, homophobic slur towards a fan, OF Jarren Duran along with the Boston Red Sox have each shared statements…

Yankees’ Aaron Judge confronts annoying trend after win vs. Rangers

Intentional walks might be an important baseball strategy, but excellent hitters might also not like it. Still, all that matters in the game is your team winning,…