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4w ago

Dodgers Hold Betts at Shortstop as Roberts Resists Right-Field Switch

Roberts says injuries leave Betts at shortstop for now.

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DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers jogs off the field after the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 18, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks in the dugout before taking the field in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 18, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Manager Dave Roberts said he is not ready to move Mookie Betts to right field, pointing to a thin infield with Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim, Max Muncy and Kiké Hernández on the injured list.
  • Betts remained at shortstop after a closed-door meeting with Roberts and Andrew Friedman, which team officials said focused on his swing rather than a position change.
  • Former GM Jim Bowden publicly challenged that account, claiming the meeting was about shifting Betts back to right field, a characterization the Dodgers have not confirmed.
  • Teoscar Hernández’s misplay in Colorado preceded a walk-off loss and renewed scrutiny of his defense, with Statcast showing -9 outs above average that ranks near the bottom among right fielders.
  • Roberts noted Betts has been a strong defender at short (tied for the NL lead with 11 defensive runs saved), emphasized Hernández’s offensive value (21 homers, .757 OPS), and said Betts will play wherever asked.