The Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-game series with the Texas Rangers marked a homecoming for Corey Seager, who returned to Dodger Stadium for the first time since leaving the organization as a free agent after the 2021 season.
Seager’s departure created a revolving door at shortstop for the Dodgers, who have used multiple starters over the last three years. However, there now appears to be some stability at the position with Mookie Betts making the jump from the outfield.
“I think it’s really impressive. I mean, he hasn’t really played the infield since the Minor Leagues,” Seager said of Betts’ progress at shortstop.
“I know he did a couple times here or there (last season) but to go out and play a position that he hasn’t since high school, that’s not an easy thing to learn at the big league level.”
Seager hadn’t watched much of Betts playing shortstop prior to this week, but praised him for an ability to essentially learn a new position on the fly while continuing to be one of the league’s premier hitters.
“Not in-game stuff. You see highlights, but I haven’t really been able to watch a game,” Seager said.
“He’s a special player. Everybody knows that. Special athlete with an ability to play all over the place at such a high level and still be able to compete in the batter’s box. It’s impressive to watch.”
Seager is not surprised that Betts has found success at shortstop given his athleticism and work ethic. “Like I said, just a good athlete,” Seager said of Betts.
“I do remember the first game he played (at second base), he was nervous. Not lost, but it had been a while. It was fun to watch him go about his day and see how it went. It’s really impressive to see him be able to do that.”
Mookie Betts starting shortstop in All-Star Game?
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has complimented Betts’ defensive work on several occasions this season and recently said he should be the starting shortstop for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.
“I just think he’s one of one. I don’t think anyone in baseball can do what he’s done. I don’t,” Roberts said of Betts’ move to shortstop.
“There’s a lot of great players but to see where he’s evolved on the field positionally and thrived, I don’t see anyone doing that. If the All-Star Game was tomorrow, he would be the starting shortstop. There would be a lot of disappointed shortstops that he took the position but it is what it is.”
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