In a surprising twist that has fans buzzing and analysts debating, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts has decided to bench Mookie Betts following a string of poor performances. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the Dodgers’ recent slump, which saw them endure a seven-game losing streak shortly before the All-Star break. Adding to the team’s woes, they suffered a shutout loss against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, spotlighting the underperformance of their usually formidable lineup.
Mookie Betts, a key figure in LA’s offensive lineup, has been in the throes of a season-long struggle. Despite his reputation as a former MVP and an eight-time All-Star, Betts has been unable to shake off his slump, culminating in another hitless game against Milwaukee. This prompted Roberts to make the bold move of sitting Betts out for Saturday’s game, as confirmed by The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. Although Roberts contemplated adjusting Betts’ position in the batting order, he refrained from making such a change, opting instead for a temporary benching.
The timeline for Betts’ absence from the lineup remains uncertain. Roberts has indicated that the situation will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, stating, “It could be one night, it could be two. I expect him back in there [Sunday] but it’ll be day-to-day.” This cautious approach suggests a desire to reignite Betts’ form without sidelining him for an extended period.
Betts’ stats this season paint a picture of uncharacteristic difficulty. With a slash line of .241/.311/.377 and an OPS+ of 95, his performance is notably below his career averages. In 90 games, Betts has managed 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 56 runs, resulting in 2.3 bWAR. However, July has been particularly harsh, with Betts going hitless in his last three games and struggling with a .107 batting average over his last seven appearances.
The outlier season has been compounded by a series of unfortunate events. Betts battled a mysterious illness at the start of the year, causing significant weight loss and sidelining him from the season opener. More recently, a freak accident at home led to a fractured toe, although he made a swift return to the field after the injury.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers maintain their lead in the NL West, holding a 4.5-game advantage over the San Diego Padres. Yet, their aspirations of a championship repeat hinge on Betts finding his rhythm. The Dodgers’ faithful are hopeful that a brief respite will help Betts rediscover his form and steer the team back on the path to glory.
