Mookie Betts’ Return: What It Means for the Dodgers

There was once a time when Mookie Betts’ comeback seemed like the answer to the Dodgers’ offensive struggles. Now, though, the situation feels a bit murky regarding what his reappearance really signifies for the team.

At 33 years old, Betts, who previously shouldered much of the team’s success, presents a question mark. The coaching staff isn’t entirely sure what version of Betts they’ll see after his stint on the disabled list.

Will it be the Betts who was in MVP discussions year after year? Or the Betts who struggled offensively over the past season and a half? It’s uncertain.

After a brief two-game rehab assignment in the minor leagues, Betts is slated to rejoin the Dodgers for the upcoming four-game series against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.

Manager Dave Roberts commented that Betts would likely bat second or third in a lineup that has seen better days, but he was cautious when discussing the shortstop’s return.

When asked how much of the team’s recent offensive issues relate to Betts’ absence, Roberts replied, “That’s some of it. Definitely not all of it.”

And, to be fair, he’s right.

Shohei Ohtani recently demonstrated a lack of power with just one home run in his last 22 games, and while it’s tough to judge a player who’s set to earn around $2 million this season, he certainly hasn’t lived up to expectations. Meanwhile, Teoscar Hernandez is hitting .238, Kyle Tucker .248, Will Smith .261, and Freddie Freeman .267. The only hitter producing at a decent level is Max Muncy, yet even he faced bad luck during a recent 7-2 loss to the Braves.

In that game, Muncy suffered a hit from an extra-base hit when he tried to make an overhead catch at the warning line, only to collide face-first with the right-field wall.

The Dodgers faced a tough series against the Braves, ultimately losing two out of three games and scoring just seven runs total, two of which came in the last inning.

Roberts commented on the team’s struggling performance, noting, “There are some empty at-bats. We’ve got early outs that aren’t quality, and at times guys just don’t pass the baton along.”

In fact, the Dodgers have been floundering, sitting below .500 over the past three weeks with only nine wins in their last 21 games.

Muncy mentioned that many players are grappling with swing mechanics, stating, “Competing is tough when you’re still trying to figure things out. We’ve emphasized that you need to forget everything else and just focus when you step into the batter’s box. Now, we’ll need to reinforce that message.”

Should Betts make a difference in the lineup, it all hinges on his ability to return as the player he was prior to breaking his left hand last season.

His last season was challenging, having contracted norovirus and losing nearly 20 pounds. His performance took a hit, finishing with a .258 batting average, his worst yet. The Dodgers suggested he ease up on his offseason training, which he did, claiming to be ready for an MVP-level comeback this spring.

Initially, he was expected to start the regular season strong, but then he suffered an oblique strain. After returning to action with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate, he went 2-for-5 at the plate.

No one truly knows how Betts’ absence affected the team, but Roberts says his presence should at least “boost” the struggling offense.

“It’s a bit tough in terms of having Mookie back,” he noted. “Just adding a star player is more complex than it seems. Fingers crossed he can reinvigorate the team.”

Roberts expressed hope that with Betts batting near the top of the lineup, it might allow for other players to shift to positions where they’re more comfortable.

“Mookie’s way is to get on base, create opportunities, and, at times, come through with extra-base hits,” he explained. “He just poses a threat whether facing right-handed or left-handed pitchers, and having him back feels reassuring.”

Of course, Betts has historically done more than simply set the table. If he still possesses MVP-worthy talent, now would certainly be the time to showcase it. The Dodgers’ batting lineup is in dire need of that change.