After missing the Tokyo Series due to an illness, Mookie Betts has reclaimed his spot as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting shortstop to begin the 2025 season.
Betts is back at the position after serving as the team’s primary shortstop to open the 2024 season, which came after Gavin Lux struggled in Spring Training. Betts remained at shortstop until shifting back to right field upon returning from a left hand fracture.
The Dodgers were confident a full offseason of preparation would put Betts in a better position to play shortstop this year. It had been mostly smooth sailing up until Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, when Betts made his first error of the season.
“I think it’s gone really, really well. I think it’s gone really well. Everything according to schedule,” Betts said of playing shortstop.
“I’m working, doing everything I can to be successful at the position for the team. But I’ve got to clean it up. I can’t be making mistakes like that.”
Betts couldn’t get the ball out of his glove cleanly while attempting to turn a double play and threw it wildly to first base, leading to an unearned run for the Braves in the second inning.
“I didn’t get a good grip on it and I thought I still had a little bit of time if I could get a grip,” Betts explained. “So I went through the motion, didn’t get a grip and I tried to hold it. Just a dumb play.”
Betts atoned for his error by hitting a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth inning that propelled the Dodgers to a 3-1 comeback win.
Mookie Betts hitting
The lengthy stomach virus that Betts battled for most of March has not affected his production at the plate. Through four games, he has gone 6-for-16 (.375) with three home runs and six RBI.
Each of Betts’ homers has given the Dodgers a lead. As a team they’ve already notched five comeback wins this season.
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