As Shohei Ohtani’s return date remains uncertain, Mookie Betts’ explosive surge at the plate provides Dave Roberts with a potent, flexible solution for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason lineup.
Mookie Betts has given the Los Angeles Dodgers a familiar option at leadoff while Shohei Ohtani remains out of the lineup. After Betts’ performance against the San Francisco Giants on Friday, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that the arrangement could remain useful in October.
The Dodgers still expect Ohtani to return before then, although his return date is uncertain. Roberts said Saturday that his first instinct is to restore Ohtani to the top of the batting order when he is back.
Betts thriving in leadoff spot
For now, Betts has returned to a spot he occupied long before Ohtani joined Los Angeles. The former American League MVP went 3-for-4 with a walk, two home runs, three RBIs and two runs scored Friday as the Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-2.
He then went 4-for-4 with a walk, three doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored in Saturday’s 10-4 win.
According to Jack Harris from the California Post, Roberts said that the Dodgers expect Ohtani back but must prepare for different possibilities.
With Betts swinging well and having led off many times throughout his career, the manager said using him there makes sense.
“Certainly there is uncertainty with Sho, all the while expecting him to be back,” Roberts said.
“But you do got to kind of prepare for whatever. I just think that Mookie is swinging the bat. He’s hit there many times throughout his career. So it just kind of makes sense.”
Betts was one of MLB’s premier leadoff hitters before Ohtani arrived, so the move requires no unfamiliar adjustment. Roberts has also noticed an improvement in the quality of his at-bats during his recent surge.
The manager said Betts’ results affect his demeanor and that better production has brought back his usual confidence. Betts was rarely prone to chasing pitches, Roberts explained, but has reduced that tendency further while making better contact.
“I think with Mookie, results drive kind of his demeanor,” Roberts explained.
“With the results, I think that he is considerably better. He’s not a chase guy anyway, but he’s cut that down considerably. The quality of contact is considerably higher, and then now you’ve got that attitude, that confidence that we’re used to seeing with Mookie.”
Ohtani’s spot in the lineup moving forward
Roberts still considers Ohtani his first choice to lead off. He said he will evaluate the lineup when Ohtani returns, taking into account how he looks and whether a left-right matchup calls for an adjustment. Ohtani could simply reclaim the spot.
“That’s my first kind of thought,” Roberts noted.
“But until he gets back, or when he gets back, then I’ll kind of potentially redirect, react if it’s a left-right situation, or just supplant him back there in the one.”
That gives Los Angeles flexibility. If Ohtani immediately regains his form, Roberts can restore the order he prefers. If Ohtani needs time to recover his timing, Betts can continue leading off without the Dodgers having to force a change.
Betts’ upside
Betts brings more to that role than the ability to hit for power. He can work an at-bat, recognize pitches and resist expanding the strike zone when an opponent tries to avoid giving him something to hit.
That approach matters at the top of an order. A leadoff hitter can pressure a pitcher by reaching base, but he can also set the tone by refusing to surrender an at-bat and giving the hitters behind him a clearer look at the pitcher.
Betts has the experience to handle changes without letting his position dictate his approach. His recent contact reflects a hitter making sound decisions and trusting the swing that has served him throughout his career.
His confidence is evident in the way he attacks hittable pitches while remaining selective. With Ohtani’s return still pending, Betts has shown Roberts he can keep setting the table for the Dodgers.
