The Los Angeles Dodgers are as soon as once more within the coronary heart of the MLB playoff race, and with stakes rising, supervisor Dave Roberts made a agency choice to stabilize the crew’s core heading into the stretch run. His message to Mookie Betts? A transparent and direct vote of confidence that goals to revive order atop a potent Dodgers lineup.
In a video shared to X (previously often called Twitter) by the Dodgers Territory Podcast, hosts Alanna Rizzo and Clint Pasillas requested the Dodgers supervisor about Betts’ current stoop and his mindset after getting back from damage. His response provided a transparent glimpse into the Dodgers supervisor’s management fashion.
“Hey, man, you’re our two-hole hitter indefinitely, so determine it out.”
The message from Roberts, now in his tenth yr as supervisor of the membership, was greater than only a lineup adjustment—it was a transparent sign of belief. Betts had prompt shifting down within the order after getting back from damage and going simply 3-for-19 (.158) with no extra-base hits in his first 5 video games again. However somewhat than reshuffling the lineup, Roberts dedicated to him within the No. 2 spot behind Ohtani. The choice brings much-needed continuity to the Dodgers lineup, which has already navigated shifting roles all through the season on account of accidents and experimentation.
The veteran outfielder and infielder, now in his twelfth season, stays a foundational piece for Los Angeles. Earlier than fracturing his left hand in June, Mookie Betts was hitting .304 with 10 residence runs and 40 RBIs via 72 video games. Whereas his present batting common has dipped to .242, his observe file—two World Sequence titles with LA and one with Boston—underscores his worth when the postseason lights come on.
The Dodgers, sitting at 71-53 and holding one of many prime data within the Nationwide League as of Monday evening, have constructed their success round a dynamic core. With Ohtani main off, Betts locked in at two, and Freeman batting third, the construction is evident—and highly effective. Maintaining Betts within the No. 2 spot not solely fuels his confidence but in addition units up optimum run manufacturing.
Because the NL West race tightens, each recreation takes on added significance. Los Angeles holds a three-game lead over San Diego with 38 video games remaining, making consistency extra essential than ever. The membership is averaging 5.16 runs per recreation, trailing solely the Milwaukee Brewers, whereas its .770 crew OPS ranks simply behind the New York Yankees. That offensive steadiness, mixed with renewed stability within the Dodgers lineup, might show to be the distinction between securing a division title and settling for a Wild Card spot.
Roberts’ message additionally displays how top-shelf organizations just like the Dodgers mix analytics with psychology. It’s not simply numbers—it’s understanding when a participant wants construction, not a demotion. Betts’ humility in suggesting a lineup drop met Roberts’ agency perception in his star’s potential to rebound.
With the MLB playoff race tightening, this dedication might function the spark Betts wants to search out his groove once more—simply in time for October.