Mookie Betts returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Sunday after manager Dave Roberts elected to give him a day off for a mental reset of sorts amid season-long struggles.

While Betts being back for the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers wasn’t necessarily a surprise, there was the unexpected development of being put into the leadoff spot of the Dodgers lineup.

That has been primarily occupied by Shohei Ohtani since he took over the role last season when Betts missed time due to a fractured right hand. Including Sunday, Ohtani has been the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter in 97 of 100 games this season.

The two previous instances that wasn’t the case were due to Ohtani going on the paternity list in the middle of April. Tommy Edman served as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter in their games against the Texas Rangers on April 18 and 19.

Collectively, Dodgers leadoff hitters entered Sunday with the best on-base percentage (.379) in baseball. Their .991 on-base plus slugging this year also is the top mark, and would be fourth-highest in MLB history.

While Edman performed well in his two games batting leadoff, that’s largely been achieved by Ohtani sharing the National League lead with 33 home runs.

Why is Mookie Betts new leadoff hitter in Dodgers lineup?

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained his decision to move Betts to the top of the lineup is in effort to get him in the mindset of putting together quality at-bats and setting the table rather than consistently focusing on the mechanics of his swing.

Roberts added he isn’t sure how long Betts is going to remain the Dodgers’ new leadoff hitter, but that it will be the case at least until Max Muncy returns from the injured list.

The lineup change is one Roberts has been considering for multiple weeks and is something Ohtani is on board with.

“Shohei will do anything we ask. He is all about the team,” Roberts said.

Mookie Betts’ stats when batting in leadoff spot

Over 1,070 career games as a leadoff hitter, Betts has batted .296/.376/.537 with 305 doubles, 228 home runs, 657 RBI and 144 wRC+. He’s been open about feeling plenty comfortable in that spot, but also expressed an understanding when the Dodgers made a shift last season to have Ohtani take over as their leadoff hitter.

Betts now is batting lead off for the first time since June 16, 2024.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!