For much of this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers have faced criticism about their defense, particularly in the outfield. Teoscar Hernández ranks near the bottom of the league in Outs Above Average, and Michael Conforto has struggled to find a rhythm at the plate. Those shortcomings naturally led to speculation about whether Mookie Betts, a six-time Gold Glove winner in right field, should return to his old position.
Manager Dave Roberts, however, has made it clear that such a move isn’t on the table.
“Mookie will not go to right field,” Roberts told Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, repeating the sentiment twice for emphasis.
Dodgers Stand Firm: Dave Roberts Confirms Mookie Betts Will Stay at Shortstop
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The reasoning is simple: Betts has exceeded expectations in his transition to shortstop. Baseball Savant metrics place him in the 88th percentile for Range and the 74th percentile in Fielding Run Value. For Roberts, though, the numbers only underscore what his eyes already confirm.
“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.”
The switch has been even more remarkable considering the challenges Betts has faced off the field. A stomach illness in spring training cost him nearly 20 pounds and two games to start the season. Later came a broken toe and, more personally, the passing of his stepfather. Even so, Betts has pushed through, batting .329 over the last three weeks after a slower start.
“Right now, it’s all instinct instead of the technical part of it,” Roberts added. “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.”
As the Dodgers battle to maintain their lead in the NL West, Roberts sees Betts as not just a steady shortstop but also a clubhouse anchor. “I love how Mookie is always accountable,” he said. “I’m always going to bet on him.”
For Los Angeles, the message is clear: shortstop is Betts’ home, and that’s where he’ll stay.