The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without star player Mookie Betts since June 17, but the team continues to play well in his absence, sitting atop of the NL West standings.
When Betts returns to the lineup, whenever that may be, we may see him batting in a different spot in the order other than leadoff.
Betts, who was named to his eighth All-Star Game, has thrived in the leadoff spot and has been one of the best leadoff hitters during the past few seasons.
But teammate Shohei Ohtani has stepped up in the leadoff position for the Dodgers and has made an impact.
Through 18 games batting in the leadoff position this season, Ohtani is hitting .324 with nine home runs and 19 RBI.
Betts understands that Ohtani can make an impact wherever he is placed in the lineup.
“Shohei belongs wherever the hell he wants to go,” Betts said. “Wherever he wants to go, he can be there. Once he decides what he wants to do, I’ll get in where I fit in.”
Betts is a team player and will do whatever it takes to help his team win. How can you not enjoy having him as a teammate?
This season, Betts has appeared in 72 games hitting in the one spot and he has hit 10 homers with 40 RBI.
The Dodgers have a good problem on their hands when Betts returns because you can put either Ohtani or Betts at the leadoff position and have the other follow behind in the two spot.
Betts is not rushing his return either. During his time on the injured list, he understands his role and continues to be a leader off the field.
“Nah, I don’t care. The boys are playing good,” he said. “So right now, I belong where I am, somewhere sitting down. So as long as they win, we win, I don’t care when I come back, I can do anything but catch.”
On the season, Betts is hitting .304 and has posted a .488 slugging percentage.
He has made a huge impact both on the field and at the plate and that is a big reason why he is one of the best in the game.
The good thing for the Dodgers is that without Betts, they still are in a comfortable position in the division and they are not rushing his return.
Manager Dave Roberts is going to take as much time as they need with Betts out and when he returns, they will address everything accordingly.
“I think I’m going to use as much time as possible, because I think you have to appreciate the people that it could affect, as far as when the move is made or isn’t made,” he said.
One thing we know for sure, when Betts returns, the Dodgers lineup will be that more dangerous, especially with Ohtani swinging a good stick.
It will be interesting to see if the Dodgers can finish the regular season with the best record in baseball. On paper, they have the players to do so.
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