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18h ago

Roberts Restores Ohtani to Leadoff, Drops Betts to Second

The move aims to reignite the Dodgers’ top two hitters after continued offensive struggles

Dodgers’ Mookie Betts swings at a pitch during an at-bat in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Aug 2, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers short stop Mookie Betts (50) stands at the plate with designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) behind against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Dave Roberts moved Shohei Ohtani back to the leadoff spot and shifted Mookie Betts to the second slot for Sunday’s game against the Rays.
  • Betts went 8 for 43 (.186) with a .498 OPS as the leadoff hitter and was hitless in his last 14 at-bats before the change.
  • Ohtani struggled in the No. 2 spot, batting .245 (12 for 49) with 24 strikeouts in 56 plate appearances.
  • Roberts cited mechanical adjustments and a mental component as factors in Betts’ slump and emphasized his defensive value at shortstop.
  • Max Muncy has completed key rehab assignments at Triple-A Oklahoma City and could rejoin the Dodgers early in their homestand.