Mookie Betts‘ return to right field for the Los Angeles Dodgers will almost certainly impact the rest of the roster. Betts, who has been out with a broken hand since June 16, returned with a bang on Tuesday. The perennial All-Star went 2-for-4 with a home run and three runs batted in. Furthermore, it didn’t go unnoticed that the six-time-Gold Glove right fielder played the carom perfectly on a double off the wall. It was as if Betts hadn’t missed eight weeks at all.
MOOKIE’S BACK LIKE HE NEVER LEFT. pic.twitter.com/jBWcXDq0wW
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 13, 2024
What Mookie Betts’ Return Means for the Dodgers Roster
A Versatile Roster
The vast majority of the Dodgers position players can field multiple positions. Only three players don’t, and one of them is an All-Star catcher (Will Smith). In addition, the Dodgers will be getting Max Muncy (strained oblique) and Tommy Edman (sprained ankle and hand surgery) back from the injured list, giving them even more options.
Where Will Everybody Play?
With Betts roaming right field for the rest of the season, it gives the Dodgers a better defensive alignment. Betts has 918 starts in the corner outfield. This seems to be his natural home as his exceptional glove work testifies. This also has two advantages. First, it saves wear and tear on Betts’ body because there will be less ground to cover than in center field, thus keeping his legs fresh. Secondly, it allows Miguel Rojas the opportunity to play shortstop where he shines. His bat isn’t too shabby either, as he is hitting .270.
However, Rojas’ recent IL stint suggests that that veteran could use a day off now and then. Tommy Edman could spell Rojas on occasion when not patrolling center field. Tommy Edman plays above-average defense while being able to take swings from both sides of the plate. When Edman needs a breather, Kevin Kiermaier, aka “Superman,” can leap outfield walls in his place.
The “I Play Everywhere” Man
The Dodgers signed Kiké Hernandez in the off-season, knowing that he could play anywhere on the field save catcher. The super-utility man sports an above-average glove and a streaky bat, capable of a clutch hit or two in big spots. However, fans have been questioning whether Hernandez is expendable because his batting average has been below .200 for most of the season. But since he got glasses, he has been hitting close to .280. It’s a pretty safe bet that he has reserved a roster spot for the regular season and beyond.
A Much-Needed “Lux”ury
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when second baseman Gavin Lux appeared to be the odd man out in the Los Angeles roster crunch. The highly-touted prospect struggled for much of the first half, and it appeared the Dodgers’ patience was wearing thin. With the trade deadline looming, Lux was limited to second base, and playing only against right-handers, the clock was ticking. However, since July, Lux has hit .358 with five home runs and 20 RBI. He isn’t going anywhere. Tommy Edman and Kike Hernandez can fill in against right-handers when the occasion calls for it.
Odd Men Out?
With Mookie Betts’ return and the soon addition of Max Muncy and Tommy Edman, the two most likely men in jeopardy are Jason Heyward and Andy Pages. Pages is a natural corner outfielder who plays center, but has shown he can swing the bat. Heyward plays solid defense, but is barely above a .200 batting average. The Dodgers will probably option Pages. It is the logical choice. But is it the correct one? We will find out as soon as Monday.
Photo Credit: © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
