With the Los Angeles Dodgers mired in their worst stretch of the season, manager Dave Roberts made a notable change on Sunday by switching Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in the lineup order.
Roberts explained the decision stemmed from wanting to get Betts in the mindset of putting together quality at-bats and setting the table rather than consistently focusing on the mechanics of his swing amid a season-long slump.
The ripple effect was Ohtani dropping down to the No. 2 spot in the Dodgers lineup for the first time since June 16, 2024.
“No hesitation at all,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton when asked about switching spots with Betts. “Anything that helps everybody feel a little more comfortable to hit, I’m happy to do so.
“I got a text message from Dave Roberts the night before about it, and I was happy to comply.”
Communication has been key to the Dodgers finding success with lineup changes involving their star players.
When Betts returned from a fractured right hand last season, he was moved down to second in order to keep Ohtani at the top of the Dodgers lineup. Ohtani said at the time that he was staying in touch with Betts to make sure they were on the same page.
Before the start of the 2024 season, Roberts met with Ohtani, Betts and Freddie Freeman to discuss where the former MVP Award winners would bat in the Dodgers lineup.
Will Shohei Ohtani remain Dodgers’ No. 2 hitter?
Roberts isn’t sure how long Betts will remain the Dodgers’ new leadoff hitter, but noted he would stay in the role at least until Max Muncy returns from the injured list.
In two games since the change, Betts is 2-for-8 with a double and walk. Meanwhile, Ohtani has now homered in three consecutive games entering play Tuesday.
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