The Los Angeles Dodgers once again are having Mookie Betts move to a new position, only this time it comes with plenty of familiarity as he shifts back to right field.
Betts reported to Spring Training this year as the Dodgers’ new starting second baseman. The team believed moving him into the infield would help preserve Betts’ health for the duration of his Dodgers contract.
That was short-lived, however, as Gavin Lux dealt with throwing issues at shortstop and switched positions with Betts. The 31-year-old embraced the challenge of learning the intricacies of shortstop on the fly and largely managed to play the position at an adequate level.
However, there were questions raised about the physical demands of the position and potential impact they were having on Betts at the plate. He consistently denied the drop-off in offensive production being tied to playing shortstop and the early work that was being done prior to games.
The Dodgers nevertheless addressed the position — in some part because of injuries to Betts and Miguel Rojas — by acquiring Tommy Edman and Amed Rosario at the trade deadline. Nick Ahmed was signed prior to that, but he’s a likely candidate to get designated for assignment once Betts returns.
Furthermore, Edman is expected to primarily play center field while occasionally rotating in at second base at shortstop.
That still leaves the Dodgers with Rojas as the leading candidate to take on an everyday role, which the team expressed confidence in when he became the starter after Betts suffered a fractured left hand.
Why is Mookie Betts moving to right field?
As it became evident Betts was going to return during the series against the Milwaukee Brewers, Roberts initially said it would come at shortstop.
But the Dodgers’ depth at the position, lack of consistent production from their outfielders and Lux’s emergence prompted a change in plans.
“The conversation was kind of under the constructs of each player, whenever they’re playing, defensively they’ve got to feel most confident,” Roberts said.
“You have to then obviously layer in what’s best for the ballclub. I think with where we’re at, he is most confident right now in right field versus at shortstop.
“You look at how Gavin is play, he’s earned the right to continue to play second base for us. So you have essentially two Gold Glovers at shortstop, so kind of weighing everything in, the teammate, the comfort, the performance, that’s kind of where we came to.”
Betts described the conversation with Roberts as “mostly mutual” and repeatedly stated, “I just want to win.”
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