GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s a big ask.
The Dodgers were already moving the six-time Gold Glove winner in right field to the infield. But Mookie Betts came into professional baseball as a second baseman and started 60 games there last season. Betts was ready to embrace the move back to his old home with enthusiasm.
But Betts has been thrown into the breach, the Dodgers deciding well into spring training that Gavin Lux could not be depended upon defensively at shortstop. Instead, they will ask Betts to play a position he hasn’t played regularly since high school.
“It’s huge,” Betts said. “You’re going from right field to second base to short. Right field is not easy by any means. None of the positions are easy. But you’re going from one of the easier positions on the field to one of the hardest outside of catching – and I’m definitely not catching.
“But I embrace challenges. I really love learning and processes. So I think this is right up my alley.”
It is a crash course not just in playing a new position but in assuming all of the added responsibilities that come with playing shortstop in the major leagues. As a right fielder, Betts never had to worry about being in the right place for cutoffs and relays.
Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas has been helping Betts learn over the past week. Rojas said there’s no reason to worry about Betts catching and throwing. But learning all of those other responsibilities will be a challenge.
“He’s one of the best in the game. Having him give me all the knowledge that he has is awesome,” Betts said of Rojas, known for his defensive ability. “He’s really kind of going a little too fast. But I’d rather him be on me and stay on me and make sure I’m doing it right than not at all.”
Rojas had better go fast. The Dodgers have one Cactus League game left in Arizona, two exhibition games in South Korea and then will play regular-season games, giving Betts limited game reps before his mistakes…
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