GLENDALE, Ariz. — Mookie Betts has been the leading man in the Dodgers’ offense almost since he arrived in Los Angeles. But Dave Roberts said he is at least considering moving Betts out of the leadoff spot this season.
“Yeah. I’m thinking about it,” the Dodgers manager said Friday. “I think having that discussion is thoughtful, makes sense, given the fact that you don’t expect him to steal bases like he has in the past. He’s shown more power, which potentially could have been more production as far as runs batted in. So I think having that discussion is responsible.
“I don’t know how that manifests itself. But, yeah, I’m thinking about that.”
The Dodgers tried that – briefly – in the truncated 2020 season. To start the season, Max Muncy hit leadoff against right-handed hitters with Betts second. Against lefties, Betts batted first.
It didn’t last long. Muncy suffered a fractured finger when he was hit in the hand late in the preseason and slumped. Betts took over the leadoff spot, primarily in front of Corey Seager, in August and the Dodgers’ offense took off.
At the time, Betts said he was more “comfortable” hitting leadoff. Now, he says it doesn’t matter and he’s open to batting anywhere in the lineup.
“I think that was just how the roster was constructed. And at the time I did care,” Betts said of the 2020 experiment. “Now I don’t. Now it’s whatever. I’m to the point where it doesn’t matter.”
Why did that change since 2020?
“Just a year older and my care factor for it is gone,” Betts said. “It is what it is. Just go do whatever he says do and don’t worry about it.”
Roberts acknowledged moving Betts out of the leadoff spot now would be largely motivated by a desire to take advantage of his power. Twenty-six of Betts’ career-high 35 home runs last season came with no one on base.
“It makes sense – but who knows if I’m going to hit 35 homers again, you know what I’m saying?” Betts…
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