Despite missing two games and receiving three overall days off in the past week, the Los Angeles Dodgers again kept Mookie Betts out of the lineup for Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
“I think it’s probably me being more mindful and understanding that we’re going to lean on him a lot as the season goes on,” manager Dave Roberts explained before the 11-6 loss at Dodger Stadium.
“I kind of live in what I’m seeing. To continue to run a player out there — he wants to be out there, which is great — I just feel right now, having Cody and Zach back, it’s a good day to get him to sit back, watch a game and be ready to go in the day game.”
Roberts not only was keeping Betts out of the lineup, he hoped the 2018 American League MVP would use to the day to refrain from any activities. “I think for me, I hope he doesn’t pick up a bat,” Roberts added.
“I just think that he’s not going to get many days off, doesn’t get many days off. He’ll be back in there [Sunday]. The days prior, he’s worked really hard and put in a lot of repetition, so I would love it if he just kind of sat back and cheered his teammates on.”
Despite Roberts’ hope, Betts was needed for a pinch-hit appearance in the ninth inning because the Dodgers found themselves trailing and having exhausted all other position players on the bench.
Betts was inconsistent through April and has been plagued by similar struggles throughout this month. Though, his .448 slugging and .788 on-base plus slugging percentage are up from totals in the first four weeks of the season.
Betts puzzled by slump
Betts previously acknowledged lower back stiffness was likely contributing to his subpar performance thus far, and more recently he has dealt with left shoulder soreness.
It’s fair to reason the combination of the two have negatively impacted Betts, but he has refused to use either as an excuse nor the root of getting off to a slow start.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
