The Los Angeles Dodgers determined to maneuver famous person Mookie Betts to the infield heading into the 2024 season. Final December he was revealed to be the Dodgers’ on a regular basis second baseman, however that rapidly modified after Gavin Lux struggled at shortstop throughout spring coaching.
Since then the Dodgers have allowed Betts to settle in at shortstop, by far the hardest place to play outdoors catcher for anybody — even Betts, who is taken into account the most effective pound-for-pound athletes in MLB.
It’s been evident that this yr might be an adjustment for Betts, whose seven errors at shortstop ranks tied for fourth amongst all shortstops. He additionally ranks second in MLB in Defensive Runs Saved, forward of each of final yr’s Gold Glove award winners.
Betts, 31, is assured he’ll determine it out — and even went as far as to say that he’ll need to be the Dodgers’ shortstop for the remainder of his profession.
“Proper now, it’s for the current. If the chance comes the place I can do it day by day for the remainder of my profession, then completely, I’ll undoubtedly tackle that problem. That’s not going to make it simple, proper? It’s nonetheless going to be onerous. I’ll nonetheless be working and caring for my enterprise. I’ll simply do no matter it takes to win. If that’s me enjoying brief, that’s me enjoying brief.”
— Mookie Betts, through FOX Sports activities
The adjustment has been tough at instances. Even Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel admitted he was apprehensive about Betts enjoying shortstop on a regular basis as a result of it’s so taxing on the physique. There’s no sugarcoating it: the midseason transition isn’t perfect. Nonetheless, it’s clear Betts believes in his talents and can cease at nothing to be the sport’s greatest shortstop.
The Dodgers all the time have the possibility to discover the commerce marketplace for a full-time shortstop. That choice will stay open, no less than till Betts proves he’s figured it out a method or one other. Though his protection has been a problem at instances, it certain isn’t affecting his offensive play. By way of 57 video games, Betts is batting .332 with eight house runs, 31 RBIs, 9 stolen bases, and a .953 OPS in 226 at-bats.
Betts will look to proceed to develop on protection whereas ensuring his offensive sport is elite, as all the time.
Picture Credit score: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports activities
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