Mookie Betts is in the midst of another solid season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but lately he has struggled to find success at the plate.
The eight-time All-Star is hitting just .184/.192/.347 with one triple, two home runs and seven RBI over his last 52 plate appearances (12 games). He has struck out only six times during that span, but noticeably is swinging at fewer quality pitches.
“I think what it is, is that he’s chasing. I don’t think it’s pressing. I think he’s got to get back in the hitting zone,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Betts’ recent struggles.
“Just (watching) from the side, I haven’t dug into the numbers, but the chase rate is certainly up. He’s expanding and that’s something he typically doesn’t do. We’ve just got to get him back in his hitting zone. I don’t think he’s taken many walks in the last week to 10 days either, which is telling.”
Even when he isn’t producing offensively, Betts still provides value for his leadership in the Dodgers clubhouse. He has essentially assumed the role that Justin Turner filled for many years.
“I think Mookie is more that guy,” Roberts answered when asked if the Dodgers have a leadership figure in the clubhouse. “I think kind of internally, like getting guys, I think Miggy Ro is sort of that guy. But it’s got to be, for me, things like that have got to be organic.
“And I don’t think it’s on the heels of just one tough loss. I mean, you have those all year long. If there’s a continued kind of mindset or lack thereof, then it needs to be addressed. But I’d say probably Mookie and Miggy Ro are probably those guys.”
Will Mookie Betts get back on track before postseason?
After going hitless in 11 at-bats during the 2023 National League Division Series, Betts expressed disappointment with his performance and vowed to come back stronger.
With the Dodgers likely beginning postseason play in the next 10 days, the 2018 American League MVP doesn’t have much time to get back on track offensively.
Betts will look to find some success over the Dodgers’ remaining four regular-season games. He’s batting .290/.374/.495 with 23 doubles, five triples, 19 home runs and 73 RBI in 503 plate appearances this season.
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