The Dodgers moved Mookie Betts back to leadoff on Sunday, the first time in over a year Betts batted first, but a lineup position he is very much used to, hitting leadoff in 507 of his first 530 starts with the Dodgers, before breaking his hand in June 2024.
“I felt that giving him a different look in the lineup, hitting him at the top — something he’s obviously been accustomed to throughout his entire career — will put him in a mindset of just to get on base,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters before Sunday’s game, as shown on SportsNet LA. “Trying to take good at-bats, setting the table for Shohei and the guys behind him.”
Betts on Sunday singled and scored in the third inning. Batting with the bases loaded in the ninth inning down by a run, Betts lined a ball 102.2 mph off the bat, but it was right at center fielder Blake Perkins for the final out of the Dodgers’ loss to the Brewers.
Unlocking Betts will be a key to the final 2-3 months of the season, as his offensive numbers across the board are the worst of his career. His improvements are probably more likely to come from figuring out his swing than moving one spot in the lineup, but the Dodgers are at least open to try different avenues to get there.
So what else should they try?
Would you make any other lineup changes, or call someone up in Triple-A Oklahoma City?
For instance, I would argue that switch-hitting infielder Alex Freeland is a better fit for the active roster than Esteury Ruiz, the fast but poor-fielding outfielder, even though Ruiz homered on Sunday. With Max Muncy still out for 2-3 more weeks, Freeland would give the Dodgers another option at third base — where he’s been playing for three weeks — or shortstop, his natural position as needed. James Outman is already around as an extra outfielder, and Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim can play outfield if needed as well.
Today’s question is what’s the one change you would make to the Dodgers right now?