The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a major loss last month when Mookie Betts was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hand fracture, but Miguel Rojas stepped in nicely as the new shortstop before suffering his own injury.
Rojas has enjoyed one of the best offensive seasons of his career and continued to play Gold Glove-caliber defense. Despite that, there was speculation as to whether the Dodgers would look to acquire a shortstop at the trade deadline to allow Betts to shift back to right field or second base when he returns.
The Dodgers ultimately traded for Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario as part of their deadline moves, but it remains unclear what impact that will have on Betts.
When recently discussing his outlook, Roberts acknowledged the Dodgers would consider sliding Betts back over to second base, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“I would, I would,” Roberts said. “I don’t think anyone can debate the level of shortstop play from Miguel Rojas. Some of it is contingent on the timeline for Mookie’s return and where Miggy is physically and how things are going. But to your question, would I consider it? Absolutely.”
Since Roberts’ comments, not only have the Dodgers acquired Edman and Rosario, they also signed Nick Ahmed and Gavin Lux has swung the bat well. Ahmed could very well be a stopgap until Rojas is able to return from his right forearm tightness injury, but Lux’s improvement has arguably changed the organization’s line of thinking.
The Dodgers prioritized keeping Lux in the lineup, which was the impetus to having him switch positions with Betts during Spring Training.
On Tuesday, Roberts said Betts is preparing for a return as shortstop but that firm plans had not yet been established.
Mookie Betts updates
Betts has continued to make steady progress in his recovery and built upon starting to take swings by hitting off a tee and against soft toss. He’s projected to come off the injured list around the middle of August.
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