While the Los Angeles Dodgers have swung the bat better during stretches of recent games, a few players continue to be mired in slumps. Mookie Betts hasn’t looked like himself at the plate this season, as he’s striking out more and hitting for less power.
Betts especially has struggled since returning to the lineup last week after being hit by a pitch in his right forearm, recording just six hits over his last 32 at-bats (.188 batting average) entering Thursday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Betts has struck out nine times over the stretch without hitting a home run. “I think when you’re as talented as he is and you hit at the top of the order, you do feel that sense of, ‘If I get going, I think the offense will follow,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Betts’ struggles.
“Very uncharacteristic, the swings out the strike zone. So for me, that’s trying a little too hard. For me, it’s just let the game come to you. When they throw it in the strike zone, get your A swing off.
“If they don’t, take it, knowing that we have other guys who still need to do their jobs. Mookie’s going to be fine. The line will be where it is. His career line will be where it’s at. It’s just one of those funks that he’s going through, but he still goes out there and competes every single at-bat. That’s why I love the player.”
Though Betts is sporting career-lows in several categories this season, he’s still drawing walks at an above-average clip while providing elite defense and baserunning.
Betts also concluded the Dodgers’ homestand Wednesday with something to build on, collecting two hits in five at-bats against the Cincinnati Reds — his first multi-hit game since April 19.
Betts appears in new Call of Duty trailer
Betts recently appeared in a trailer with L.A. Lakers guard Dennis Schroder promoting season 3 of “Call of Duty: Warzone.”
Among the other celebrities that can be found in the trailer include Young Thug, Jack Harlow, Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag, Saweetie and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish.
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