It’s no secret that Mookie Betts has endured a difficult season at the plate, but plenty of efforts are being made to help the Los Angeles Dodgers star get back on track.
As Betts stepped into the batter’s box for the first time against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, he received a standing ovation from some fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium.
It was reminiscent of — and inspired by — the reception that Trea Turner got from Philadelphia Phillies fans as he went through an extended slump during the 2023 season. There also have been chants for Betts the past two nights.
He went 0-for-4 in the series opener against the Cardinals, but bounced back by reaching base safely four times on Tuesday. The Dodgers bullpen especially celebrated when the eight-time All-Star doubled in the third inning to end an 0-for-22 stretch.
“It’s been a beautiful thing. Thank you to all the Dodger fans,” Betts said of the support he has received. “Just getting that, I wouldn’t call it an ovation, but whatever it is, it’s super special.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever gotten anything like that. Obviously I would prefer not to, but if I’m in this situation, I know Dodger Stadium is behind me. It’s a good thing to know you’re supported.”
When asked if he has worked on anything specific with his swing, Betts said he is trying to recapture what made him successful for so many years.
“Just trying re-learn. Going back to the basics, re-learning myself,” Betts explained. “I had to go back and think about what I used to do in the Minor Leagues and all that type of things. It worked today, so we’ll see tomorrow.”
While it was only one game, Betts was happy to finally put some good swings on the ball again.
“Just solid contact finally,” Betts said. “Again, I’m not going to get too excited. I’ve got to do it multiple days in a row and then I’ll start to get excited.”
Dave Roberts happy for Mookie Betts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was pleased with Betts’ approach on Tuesday and hopes he is able to keep it going for the rest of the season.
“I’m sure he was synced up mechanically and seeing the baseball well,” Roberts said of Betts. “I just thought there was a lot of conviction with his swing. Even the 97 mile-an-hour fastball in that he got the barrel to and lined it to left field, in the past he’s kind of been underneath it.
“Took a lot of pitches that were borderline, spin that he was chasing. It just seemed like he was seeing it really well. To get rewarded, get some knocks, hopefully he can build off that.”
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