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The Los Angeles Dodgers have been scrutinized for their defense for most of the season, specifically in the outfield.
With right fielder Teoscar Hernández having an Outs Above Average ranking in just the second percentile among MLB, and left fielder Michael Conforto not showing many signs of life on offense, many have called for superstar Mookie Betts to go back right field.
Manager Dave Roberts spoke honestly regarding his thoughts on the switch.
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“Mookie will not go to right field,” Roberts said to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.
Betts has proven to be an elite shortstop this season in his unprecedented move from the outfield, with his Outs Above Average ranking in the 88th percentile in the majors. Although there is still a depth problem beyond the infield, Roberts made his stance clear on where the superstar would be best utilized.
“When you’re talking about shortstop play, you’re looking for consistency, and I’ve just loved the consistency,” Roberts said. “He’s made every play he’s supposed to make, and then the last couple weeks, he’s made spectacular plays. He’s been a big part of preventing runs.”
Betts’ production at the plate was off to a slow start this season after a spring training stomach bug held him out for the first two games of the season (and losing close to 20 pounds), a broken toe later in the year, and the unfortunate passing of his stepfather last month.
So far in August, he seems to be turning things around, batting .278 with a .750 OPS this month.
Roberts concluded with how phenomenal Betts has been on defense, and especially with his offense showing signs of life once again, it appears he will remain at shortstop.
“Right now, it’s all instinct instead of the technical part of it, how to do this or that,” Roberts said. “I think he’s free to just be a major league shortstop. I truly, to this day, have never seen a position change like Mookie has.”
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Photo Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
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