Mookie Betts is back where he feels most at home—right field. After nearly two months on the sidelines due to a broken left hand, the eight-time All-Star rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday at Milwaukee, stepping into his familiar position in right field and batting second. The sight of Betts swinging his bat once again was a welcome relief for the Dodgers, especially after he missed significant time since being hit by a 98 mph fastball from Kansas City Royals reliever Dan Altavilla on June 16.
Betts’ return was nothing short of spectacular. He quickly reminded everyone why he's considered one of the elite players in the game, smashing a two-run homer to left field off Freddy Peralta in the third inning. It was a powerful statement from the former leadoff hitter, showing that despite his time away, he still possesses the swing that has defined his career.
The Dodgers' decision to move Betts back to right field comes amid a season where he had been experimenting with a new role—shortstop. While Betts has shown he can handle the demands of shortstop, he’s not shy about his preference for his original position. “It’s not like I’ve been years away from it,” Betts said about returning to right field. “It hasn’t even been a year. I’ve still got it in me.” With his 32nd birthday just around the corner on October 7, Betts' confidence in his defensive abilities is both reassuring and exciting for the Dodgers' fans.
Betts’ career in right field has been impressive. Monday night’s game marked his 917th career start in the position. In contrast, he’s made 98 starts at second base and 73 at shortstop, with the majority of his games at shortstop and second base occurring over the last two seasons. His experience in right field is extensive and well-documented, making his transition back to this position a natural one.
Despite his success at shortstop this season, Betts acknowledges the talent in the Dodgers’ clubhouse. “I do believe that I can be a good shortstop, but I know there’s a couple of guys in our clubhouse who are very, very good at it—Gold Glove winners,” Betts said. He’s referring to Miguel Rojas, who, while not a Gold Glove winner, was a finalist in 2020 and 2022, and Nick Ahmed, who won the award with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018 and 2019. The Dodgers also recently acquired Tommy Edman, a Gold Glove second baseman from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, although Edman is currently on a rehab assignment and has not yet played this season.
The Dodgers’ depth at shortstop is evident, with the acquisition of Edman and the presence of Enrique Hernández, who adds another layer of versatility to the roster. This depth allowed the team to designate Amed Rosario for assignment to make room for Betts. Rosario, who was acquired from Tampa Bay for minor league pitcher Michael Flynn just weeks earlier, was a part of the team’s shortstop rotation but has been replaced in the lineup as the Dodgers adjust their roster.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is confident in the decision to move Betts back to right field. “Mookie did a fine job at short,” Roberts noted. “Getting to the balls, making the plays, I thought he did a really good job of. It was just trying to really get a handle on the different throws, the angles.” Roberts believes that given the current roster configuration—highlighted by Gavin Lux's strong performance at second base and Rojas’ defensive prowess at short—Betts' return to right field aligns best with the team’s needs.
Betts’ return to his natural position is not just about comfort but also strategy. It allows him to play more instinctively without the additional cognitive load of mastering a new role. “I said the same thing my first year playing right field,” Betts reflected. “I wasn’t comfortable. I had to go through the bumps and bruises. There I went through 10 years of bumps and bruises, so I understand how to go about it.” His sentiment underscores the mental and physical adjustments that come with switching positions, even for a player of his caliber.
The Dodgers' lineup is also benefiting from this adjustment. With Betts moving to right field, it allows Shohei Ohtani, the two-time AL MVP, to remain in the leadoff spot. Ohtani has been performing admirably, batting .280 with 34 runs, 16 homers, three triples, and 37 RBI over the past two months. The strategic placement of Betts between Ohtani and Freddie Freeman enhances the team’s offensive balance, creating a formidable lineup that poses a significant challenge to opposing pitchers.
Jason Heyward, who has been the primary right fielder in Betts’ absence, has struggled this season, hitting just .204 with a .288 on-base percentage, five homers, and 24 RBI in 59 games. Betts’ return to right field not only reinforces the Dodgers’ defense but also potentially boosts their offensive output, providing a much-needed spark as the team pushes toward the postseason.
In conclusion, Mookie Betts’ return to right field represents more than just a positional shift; it’s a strategic move that leverages his extensive experience and natural prowess in the outfield. With his return, the Dodgers are not only strengthening their defense but also fine-tuning their lineup for a strong finish to the season. Betts' comfort in his familiar role, combined with the Dodgers' strategic roster adjustments, sets the stage for an exciting stretch run as they aim for a World Series championship.
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