The Los Angeles Dodgers have dealt with a rash of injuries throughout the season, which included Mookie Betts missing nearly two months because of a left hand fracture.
At the time of Betts’ injury, he was the Dodgers’ starting shortstop. When he returned in the middle of August, it was to play right field as Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas had solidified the middle infield positions and the Dodgers needed a boost in production from their outfielders.
It represented a third position change for Betts since the end of the 2023 season, but of course came with plenty of familiarity as he won multiple Gold Glove Awards in right field before switching to second base and shortstop during Spring Training.
When recently discussing his outlook on the season, Betts reiterated his focus is merely on helping the Dodgers by any means necessary, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Whatever it takes to win. I have no ego at all. No ego at all. I just care about winning and if that’s what we feel like we need to do to win let’s do it. I know I can play on the field, I feel like anywhere. So as long as we’re making ourselves better, that’s all I care about.”
Betts was looking forward to making a full-time change to second base this year and embraced the challenge of filling a need for the Dodgers at shortstop. Despite his affinity for playing infield, 31-year-old recognized the team had better options upon his return from the injured list.
Another change Betts accepted was being moved down to batting second behind Shohei Ohtani, who has remained the leadoff hitter in the Dodgers lineup. Betts historically has preferred to be in the leadoff spot but on multiple occasions stated he’s happy to hit behind Ohtani.
Mookie Betts home run after Ohtani intentional walk
During the first game of the Freeway Series in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels elected to intentionally walk Ohtani in extra innings.
Betts immediately made them pay by jumping on the first pitch for a three-run homer that helped propel the Dodgers to a 6-2 win. Betts showed plenty of emotion as he rounded the bases and crossed home plate, seemingly inspired by the perceived slight.
However, after the game he said the Angels’ decision to put Ohtani on base was understandable even if it still panned out for the Dodgers.
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