The Dodgers Are Faced with a Mookie Betts Dilemma

Mookie Betts, the former MVP and three-time champion, struggled significantly in a recent Game 5, going 0-for-4 in a 6-2 defeat against the Blue Jays. This loss has put the defending champions’ season on shaky ground.

Throughout the World Series, Betts has performed below expectations, batting just .130 with three hits in 23 at-bats, lacking both extra-base hits and RBIs. Overall, his postseason stats show a .234 batting average and a .648 OPS.

Moving Betts down to the third position for the first time didn’t seem to help his slump. He candidly reflected on his performance, stating, “I don’t want to speak for others, but personally, I was a terrible person. I’ve done terrible things in the past… I wish I could say it was because I wasn’t trying, but that’s just not the case. I really don’t have an answer.”

This season has been a tough one for the 33-year-old, with career lows in various batting statistics—including average and OPS. It’s not the kind of season anyone would expect from someone on the path to a Hall of Fame career.

Although he managed to raise his OPS to .809 through earlier playoff rounds, his World Series performance has been lackluster. Betts got on base just six times, with three singles and three walks. In a crucial moment during the thrilling 18th inning of Game 3, he managed only one hit in eight attempts.

Overall, the Dodgers as a team haven’t been hitting well either, managing only 18 runs over the first five games, with just three in their two losses. Manager Dave Roberts relocated Will Smith to the No. 2 spot for Game 5, but things didn’t improve for Betts. He struck out, grounded out twice, and flew out.

Roberts remarked, “I think he’s putting pressure on himself. Hopefully, during his downtime, he can step back, focus on one game at a time, and just compete.” Acknowledging the uncertainty of elimination games, he stressed that everyone needs to contribute, not just Betts.

Betts encountered difficulties on Wednesday as well, notably missing a double play opportunity in the third inning, which opened the door for more offensive chances for the opposing team.

While starting pitcher Blake Snell managed to avoid major issues, he had to battle through six difficult pitches.

Roberts concluded that despite Betts’ struggles, he is physically fine and will be ready for Game 6, stating, “I know he wants to perform and get hits, but he played great defense. He’ll be in the lineup.”