PHILADELPHIA – The Los Angeles Dodgers have altered their batting order, moving shortstop Mookie Betts to the fifth spot in the lineup for the foreseeable future as he struggles with a recent slump. Manager Dave Roberts stated the change was intended to give Betts a "different look."
This adjustment comes after Betts had appeared to be emerging from an early-season slump. Through June 12, he was hitting .181 and had missed over a month due to an oblique strain. However, he then went on a 17-game stretch where he batted .375 with five home runs, five doubles, and 12 RBIs. This period marked his best performance in over two years, dating back to before a broken hand sidelined him during the 2024 campaign.
However, Betts' offensive consistency has faltered again. Entering Monday's game, he was 4-for-38 in his last 11 games and had gone hitless in 14 consecutive at-bats since June 11. His season batting average has since dropped to .226 with an OPS of .690.
Roberts acknowledged the inconsistency, noting that while Betts has not lacked effort or work, his recent performance has not matched the team's expectations. "About a month ago, yeah, we all felt that he turned the corner. And then the last few weeks, it just hasn’t been there," Roberts said.
When questioned about whether Betts' fluctuating production could be attributed to his age and 13th MLB season, Roberts indicated there was no simple explanation. He expressed belief that Betts is capable of performing better than his current statistics suggest, but tempered expectations compared to when Betts was younger and played in the outfield. "Do I have the expectations of when he was considerably younger, playing the outfield? No, I don’t. I think that’s an unfair expectation," Roberts stated.
Despite the offensive struggles, Roberts highlighted Betts' continued value to the team through his defense at shortstop, which remains among the best in the league. Betts was a Gold Glove finalist in his first full season at the position last year. "We still need him to perform" offensively, Roberts added.
Utility man Tommy Edman was moved up to the No. 3 spot in the order and started at third base for the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies and their left-handed ace Cristopher Sánchez. Max Muncy received a day off. Edman, who has hit .355 with a .957 OPS in 25 games since offseason ankle surgery, is expected to return to a lower spot in the order after Monday. Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy are slated to bat third and fourth, respectively, ahead of Betts.